CMPA Technical Report Series 31 - SNRD Asia and the Pacific · 2018. 4. 22. · CMPA Technical Report Series No. 31 Floral Biodiversity Surveys for Baseline Assessment at Khijadiya

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CM

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echn

ical

Rep

ort S

erie

s

Floral Biodiversity Surveys for Baseline Assessment at

Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuaryand Gosabara Wetland

Complex in Gujarat

August 2016

Indo-German Biodiversity ProgrammeConservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas

GEER Foundation

CMPA Technical Report Series No. 31Floral Biodiversity Surveys for Baseline Assessment at Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctu-ary and Gosabara Wetland Complex in Gujarat

AuthorDr. Padamnabhi S. Nagar, M.S.University-Baroda

Published byDeutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbHIndo-German Biodiversity Programme (IGBP),GIZ-India, A-2/18, Safdarjung Enclave,New Delhi - 110029, IndiaE-Mail: [email protected]: www.giz.de

2016

ResponsibleDirector, Indo-German Biodiversity Programme

Photo CreditDr. Neeraj Khera

LayoutAspire Design, Delhi

DisclaimerThe views expressed in this document are solely those of the authors and may not in anycircumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the Ministry of Environment,Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, of the German FederalMinistry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)or the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Thedesignation of geographical entities and presentation of material in this document donot imply the expression or opinion whatsoever on the part of MoEFCC, BMUB or GIZconcerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or ofits authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Referenceherein to any specific organisation, consulting firm, service provider or process followeddoes not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favouringby MoEFCC, BMUB or GIZ.

CitationPadmanabhi Nagar. 2016. Floral Biodiversity Surveys for Baseline Assessment at Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary and Gosabara Wetland Complex in Gujarat. CMPA Technical Series No. 31. Indo-German Biodiversity Programme, GIZ-India, New Delhi. Pp 116.

Floral Biodiversity Surveys for Baseline Assessment at Khijadiya Wildlife

Sanctuary and Gosabara WetlandComplex in Gujarat

CMPA Technical Report Series

Indo-German Biodiversity Programme Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas

31

August 2016

AuthorDr. Padamnabhi S. Nagar, M.S.University-Baroda

vii

Disclaimer

This study has been financed through a contract with the

Project on “Conservation and Sustainable Management of

Existing and Potential Coastal and Marine Protected Areas”

(CMPA), of the Indo-German Biodiversity Programme. The

Project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment,

Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of

India, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale

Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal

Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building

and Nuclear Safety (BMUB).

The information presented and the views expressed in this

information product are those of the author(s) and do not

necessarily reflect the views of the German Federal Ministry

for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and

Nuclear Safety, nor of the Ministry of Environment, Forests

and Climate Change, or the Deutsche Gesellschaft für

Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in

this information product do not imply the expression of any

opinion whatsoever on the part of MoEF&CC, BMUB, or GIZ

concerning the legal or development status of any country,

territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the

delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of

specific organisations, companies or products of manufacturers,

does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended

by MoEF&CC, BMUB, or GIZ in preference to others of a

similar nature that are not mentioned.

viii

RESEARCH TEAM

Consultant

Padamnabhi Shanker Nagar

Reseach Scholars

Mital R. Bhatt

Karan G. Rana

Ajit M. Vasava

ix

Acknowledgement

We wish to acknowledge our sincere gratitude and appreciation to:

Prof. Sandhya Kiran Grage, The Head, Department of Botany, The

Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda for providing necessary

laboratory facilities.

Dr. Dharmendra G. Shah and Dr. Shristuti Tatu for GIS mapping

and sharing knowledge regarding Mangrooves found in study area.

Dr. Rinku Desai for authentication of grasses and sedges collected

and identified from study area.

Dr. Nilesh Joshi, Marine Algae Dept., Fisheries Research Station,

Junagadh Agriculture. University, for water analysis and

phytoplankton diversity studied in study area.

The Principal Investigator is highly thankful to Dr. A. P. Singh

(CCF wildlife, Junagadh) and Shri Shyamal Tikadar (CCF,

Jamnagar) for their kind cooperation and suggestions throughout

the project.

Ms. Shorbita Agrawal (DCF) for providing facilities to survey in

Mokarsagar wetland, Porbandar.

Shri Jadeja and shri Odedra (RFO) for providing facilities to survey

in Mokarsagar wetland, Porbandar.

Shri Chapla (RFO) for providing facilities to survey in Khijadiya

wetland, Jamnagar.

We are grateful to all Tribals, Rabaris of Gujarat who shared with us

the 'nature of mother nature'.

Though, this appears to be an exhaustive list, we feel it to be much

deficient. Therefore, we thank all those whose names might not

have appeared here but of course, their cooperation and

contributions made this work possible.

x

Table of Contents

S.N. Content Page No.

1. INTRODUCTION 1-4

1.1 Wetland Status of India 2

1.2 Wetland Status of Gujarat 2

1.3 Study area 3

1.3.1 Mokarsagar wetland Complex 3

1.3.2 Khijadiya Wetland 3

2. OBJECTIVES 5

3. METHODOLODY 6 - 10

3.1 Ecological Assessment 6

3.1.1 Diversity Survey 6-7

3.1.2 Phytosociology 8

3.1.3 GIS Mapping 9

3.1.4 Biochemical Parameters of Soil 9

3.1.5 Biochemical Parameters of water 9

3.2 Threat assessment 10

3.3 Economically Important species 10

3.4 Threatened species and their conservation significance 10

3.5 Documentation of Local and English name 10

4 RESULTS 11

4.1 Ecological Assessment 11

4.1.1 Diversity Survey 11 - 29

4.1.1.1 Gosabara 11 - 22

4.1.1.2 Khijadiya 23 - 29

4.1.2 Phytosociology 30 - 33

4.1.2.1 Phytosociological analysis of Gosabara 30 – 31

4.1.2.2 Phytosociological analysis of Khijadiya 31 - 33

4.1.3 GIS Mapping 34 - 53

4.1.3.1 Gosabara 34 - 48

4.1.3.2 Khijadiya 49 - 53

4.1.4 Biochemical Parameters of Soil 54 - 56

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S.N. Content Page No.

4.1.4.1 Gosabara 54 - 55

4.1.4.2 Khijadiya 55 - 56

4.1.5 Biochemical Parameters of water 57 - 59

4.1.5.1 Gosabara 57 - 58

4.1.5.2 Khijadiya 58 - 59

4.2 Threat assessment 59 - 63

4.3 Economically Important species 64 - 76

4.4 Threatened species and their conservation significance 77 - 83

4.5 Invasive species 83 - 86

4.6 Documentation of Local and English name 86 - 92

4.7 Key species Interaction and their Ecological Significance 92 - 94

5 REFERENCES 95 - 98

List of Tables

S.N. List of Tables Page No.

1. Floristic Diversity of Gosabara 12 - 21

2. Agricultural crops of Gosabara 21 - 22

3. Floristic Diversity of Khijadiya 24 - 29

4. Phytosociological Analysis of Gosabara 31

5. Phytosociological Analysis of Khijadiya 33

6. Soil analysis of Gosabara 55

7. Soil analysis of Khijadiya 56

8. Water analysis of Gosabara 58

9. Water analysis of Khijadiya 58

10. Species of Economic Importance 65 - 68

11. IUCN status of the species 77 - 83

12. English and Local names of the species 86 - 92

xii

List of Figures

S.N. List of Figure Page No.

1. Average area under different wetlands, india 2

2. Habitat Classification of Gosabara 6

3. Habitat Classification of Khijadiya 7

4. Graph showing species diversity at Gosabara wetland complex 11

5. Graph showing species diversity at Khijadiya Sanctuary 23

6. Change in Sub-habitats during Post-monsoon and Summer in

Gosabara

34

7. Change in Sub-habitats during Post-monsoon and summer in

Khijadiya

49

List of Plates

S.N. List of Plates Page No.

1. Purple Moorhen feeding upon Schoenoplectus tubers 69

2. Birds feeding on Aeluropus logopoides 70

3. Prosopis for Baya weaver‟s nesting 70

4. Prosopis providing shelter to the Birds 71

5. Prosopis providing shelter to the Birds 72

6. Prosopis removal from Khijadiya Sanctuary 84

7. Eichhornia invasion in Gosabara 85

8. Dry puddle species of Khijadiya wetland 99

9. Mangrooves of Khijadiya 100

10. Saline ground Species 101

11. Floating Aqautic Plants 61

12. Climbers 62

13. Partially Submerged Plants 63

xiii

List of Maps

S.N. List of Maps Page No.

1. Mokarsagar wetland map showing all surrounding villages 3

2. Khijadiya Sanctuary map showing all surrounding villages 4

3. GIS Map of Gosabara (07/11/2015) 35

4. GIS Map of Gosabara (15/04/2016) 36

5. GIS Map of Khijadiya (07/11/2015) 50

6. GIS Map of Khijadiya (15/04/2016) 51

1

1 INTRODUCTION

Wetlands are the area where saturation with water is dominant factor determining the

nature of soil and the types of plants and animal communities living upon it. They are

amongst the most productive ecosystems on the Earth (Ghermandi et al., 2008), and provide

many important services to human society (Ten Brink et al., 2012). However, they are also

ecologically sensitive and adaptive systems (Turner et al., 2000). Wetlands exhibit enormous

diversity according to their genesis, geographical location, water regime and chemistry,

dominant species, and soil and sediment characteristics (Space Applications Centre, 2011).

They cover diverse and heterogeneous assemblage of habitats such as lakes (Jheels), ponds,

rivers, river flood plains, inter-tidal areas, estuaries, mangrooves, coral reefs and other related

ecosystems.The prolonged presence of water creates conditions that favor the growth of

specially adapted plants and promote the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils.

Wetlands were categorised into marine (coastal wetlands), estuarine (including deltas,

tidal marshes, and mangroove swamps), lacustarine (lakes), riverine (along rivers and

streams), and palustarine („marshy‟ – marshes, swamps and bogs) based on their

hydrological, ecological and geological characteristics (devised by Cowardin et al., 1979).

However, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which is an internationaltreaty signed in 1971 for

the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources, defines wetlands (Article 1.1)

as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or

temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of

marine water the depth of which atlow tide does not exceed six metres”. Overall, 1052 sites

in Europe; 289 sites in Asia; 359 sites in Africa; 175 sites in South America; 211 sites in

North America; and 79 sites in Oceania region have been identified as Ramsar sites or

wetlands of International importance (Ramsar Secretariat, 2013).

As per the Ramsar Convention definition most of the natural water bodies (such as

rivers, lakes, coastal lagoons, mangrooves, peat land, coral reefs) and man made wetlands

(such as ponds, farm ponds, irrigated fields, sacred groves, salt pans, reservoirs, gravel pits,

sewage farms and canals) in India constitute the wetland ecosystem. Only 26 of these

numerous wetlands have been designated as Ramsar Sites (Ramsar, 2013). However, many

other wetlands which perform potentially valuable functions are continued to be ignored in

the policy process. As a result many freshwater wetlands ecosystems are threatened and many

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221458181400010X#bib0140




FLORAL BIODIVERSITY SURVEYS FOR BASELINE ASSESSMENT AT TWO WETLANDS IN GUJARAT

2

are already degraded and lost due to urbanization, population growth, and increased

economic activities (Central Pollution Control Board, 2008).

1.1Wetland Status of India

National Wetland Atlas 2011, prepared by SAC, is the latest inventory on Indian

wetlands. Entire Country was considered for assessment and a total of 201,503 wetlands were

identified. India has about 757.06 thousand wetlands with a total wetland area4 of 15.3 m ha,

accounting for nearly 4.7% of the total geographical area of the country. Out of this, area

under inland wetlands accounts for 69%, coastal wetlands 27%, and other wetlands (smaller

than 2.25 ha) 4% (SAC, 2011). In terms of average area under each type of wetland 5 natural

coastal wetlands have the largest area (Fig.1).

Figure 1: Average area under different wetlands, India.

1.2 Wetland status of Gujarat

Gujarat has the highest proportion (22.8%) of the total wetland area in the country.

The extent of watery-lands in Gujarat is about 34,350 sq. km (17.6% of the state‟s

geographical area and 22.9 % of the national wetlands). About one fourth of the India‟s

wetlands are in Gujarat which includes Jheels (lakes), Talav (ponds), dams, seasonal

waterbodies, paddy fields, streams, marsh lands, coastline, mangrooves, coral reefs, estuaries

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Natural coastal Natural inland Man-made Man-made Wetlands

Are

a i

n h

ecta

res

per

wet

lan

d

Wetland categories

Average weland area in hectares


3

and large stretches of mudflats etc. contribute significantly to enrich habitat diversity,

resulting in rich wetland biota.

1.3. Study Area

1.3.1 Mokarsagar wetland Complex

Mokarsagar Wetland Complex, located in the Porbandar district of Gujarat state is

spread over around 129 square km. It lies between 21°38'49.17"N and 69°35'25.95"N to

21°29'51.11"N and 69°47'21.19"N.Mokarsagar is a name given to group of several wetlands

situated in around villages like Kuchhadi, Zavar, Chhaya, Odedar, Ratanpar, Vanana,

Ranghavav, Bhorasa, Dharampur, Gosa, Narvai, Bhad, Lushala, Navagam, Tukda, Mokar,

Pipliya. Mokarsagar Wetland Complex (previously known as Gosabara) is the name given to

the group of wetlands that includes Medha creek, Kuchhadi, Subhashnagar, Zavar, Kurly I,

Kurly II, Vanana, Dharampur, Gosabara, Bhadarbara, Mokarsagar, Bardasagar and Amipur

of Porbandar district of Gujarat (Map 1).

The wetland is formed by Karli Recharge Reservoir and Karli Tidal Regulator. There

is a combination of Estuary and fresh water habitat. The wetland is dominated by sedges and

other hydrophytic vegetation. It is a lifeline for the community as well as the wetland

dependent biodiversity including both the flora (mangroove, macroalgae, macrophytes) and

fauna (birds, reptiles, insects and mammals).

Map 1: Mokarsagar wetland map showing all surrounding villages


4

1.3.2 Khijadiya Wetland

Khijadiya wetland includes Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary as well as the part of Marine

National Park. It lies between 22°30'12.96"N and 70°05'41.20"N to 22°31'38.17"N and

70°11'57.74"N. It is known as safe haven for birdslocated in Jamnagar district of Gujarat,

India. The wetland is unique having both fresh water lakes, salt and freshwater marshlands. It

is spread over an area of 19 square kilometer. Over the years with fresh water of the rain and

river on one side and salt water of the sea on the other side, a unique area was formed

here.On the other side of the bund large creeks flowing from the Gulf of Kutch are located.

These creeks supports mangrooves vegetation mainly of Avicennia marina and other marine

vegetation while on land side of the sanctuary inland vegetation like Acacia nilotica,

Salvadora persica and Prosopis juliflora are found profusely.The sanctuary is located at the

watershed of Ruparel and Kalindri River at the North East coastal region of Jamnagar district

in the Gulf of Kutch (Map 2).

Map 2: Khijadiya Sanctuary map showing all surrounding villages


5

2. OBJECTIVES

1. Conduct a detailed desk study on the existing information, based on all possible sources

of information, on the ecological characters and floral biodiversity elements at the two

sites.

2. Detailed methodology and plan for each of the element.

3. Conduct detailed ecological assessment surveys (including diversity and population

studies) on the two wetlands, over key seasons, including the following, but not limited

to:

• All plants- diversity and population, including all plant forms

4. Assess the current threats to the above ecological elements assessed, on the two wetlands.

5. Identify the economically important species at the two wetlands, based on current and

potential use of these species by the local community.

6. Identify threatened species, and other species of conservation significance.

7. Identify invasive species of the wetlands, and conduct detailed populations studies of the

most significant species.

8. To the extent possible, document species names in English as well as in local language

9. Present a detailed ecological analysis of the key species interactions and ecological

significance in the wetlands.


6

3. METHODOLOGY

3.1 ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

3.1.1 DIVERSITY SURVEY

The diversity study has been carried out from October 2015 to April 2016 to monitor

the change in the vegetation over a period of time. The GIS map has been prepared before

starting the survey. Based on the GIS mapping the wetland habitat was divided into sixsub-

habitats (Fig. 3&4).

Figure 2: Habitat Classification of Gosabara

Gosabara

wetland

WaterSubmerged

Floating

Wetland vegetation

(incl. aquatic veg.)

Partially submerged

Marshy

Dry Puddle

Salt marsh vegetation

Mangroove

Halophytes

Land vegetation

Prosopis occupied area

Open area excluding Agriculture fields

Bunds

Barren land

Drying/Dried wetland

Sandy beach

Agriculture land

Hedges

Weeds

Cultivated


7

Figure 3: Habitat Classification of Khijadiya

The plants collected from various habitats were identified in the lab with the help of

floral keys (Bole and Pathak, 1988; Cook, 1996; Cooke, 1958; Santapau, 1962; Shah

1978).The checklist of collected plantwas prepared according to their habitat and the

information on their family and origin was also added to it.

Khijadiya

wetland

Water

Drying wetland

(Wetland vegetaion)

Partially Submerged

Marshy

Dried weland

(Dry puddle)


Halophytes

Mangrooves

Land vegetation


Open area

Bunds


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3.1.2 PHYTOSOCIOLOGY

Phytosociological analysis was carried out to understand the floristic and vegetation

pattern of the wetlands. The phytosociological database was created for both the wetlands and

the basic structural parameters were computed such as relative frequency, relative dominance

and relative density. Utilizing theses parameters, the importamce value index (IVI) was

calculated for all the species. The tress having basal area more than 15 has been considred for

IVI analysis.

The sample plot of 10 × 10 m2 for trees, 5 × 5 m

2 for shrubs and tree regeneration, and

and 1 × 1 m2for herbs were taken in their respective zones (Vegetation type).

Frequency = No .of Quadates in which species occured

Total Number of quadrates studied × 100

Abundance = Total no .of Individuals of the species in which species occured

No .of quadrates in which species occured

Density = Total No .of individuals of a species in all quadrates

Total no . of quadrates studied

Relative frequency = Frequency of a species

Sum of frequencies of all the species × 100

Relative Density = No .of individuals of a species in all quadrates

No . of individual of all species in all quadrates × 100

Relative Dominance= Total stand basal cover of the species

Total stand basal cover of all the species × 100

Importance Value Index = Relative frequency + Relative density + Relative dominance

Simpson‟s Index (D) = ∑ n(n−1)

N(N−1)

n = the total number of individuals of the species;

N = the total number of individuals of all species


9

3.1.3 GIS MAPPING

GIS mapping has been done to calculate the area occupied by various habitats and

vegetation. The methodology adopted for GIS mapping was as follows:

Image acquisition from USGS site

Geometric rectification with the help pf Google Earth map

Subset creation using Boundary

Unsupervised classification

Image recoding

Raster to Vector conversion

Contexual editing

Map finalising and Area statistics

3.1.4 BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SOIL

The soil samples have been collected from various sites to check the quality of soil

and its impact on vegetation diversity and agriculture.For quality analysis of soilparameters

like total Nitrogen/Organic Carbon, Phosphorous, Potassium, pH and Conductivity has been

taken in to consideration. A total of eight samples were collected for the analysis from

various sites, of which five were from Gosabara and three from Khijadiya. The analysis has

been carried out by the Gujarat State Fertilizer and Chemical Limited, Vadodara, Gujarat.

3.1.5 BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF WATER

For water analysis samplinghas been done from diverse sitesto analyse the water

quality and the vegetation pattern of the area. The biochemical parameters like pH,

Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrite and Nitrate

content, Phytoplakton diversity and its density, Chlorophyll and Carotenoids has been taken

in to consideration. Five litres of water sample has been collected in morning hours from


10

various sites. The sample analysis has been carried out by the Fisheries Research centre of

Junagadh Agriculture University.

3.2THREAT ASSESMENT

Threat assessment to the biodiversity and ecological parameters has been done during

the survey and by carrying out the interview with the local peoples.

3.3ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT SPECIES

The economically important species has been identified by interviewing local

communities and the uses of various species have been noted down.Based on the information

given by the people TIV value (Total Importance Value) has been calculated.

Importance value has been derived based on primary uses. The potential uses

considered during the study are forage, Food/nutrition value, Medicine, Fibre, Fodder,

Fuelwood, Timber, Toothbrush, Oil and Gum value. A range of 0-10 points to economic

value for each use was assigned and the total importance value (TIV) (potential importance of

the plant to the local economy) has thus been calculated as below:

TIV % =U1+U2…Un

Number of uses × maximum value×100

Where TIV % is the total importance value and U is the importance value for each particular

use (e.g. timber, fuelwood, fodder, etc.)

3.4 THREATENED SPECIES AND THEIR CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

The IUCN status of all the collected species has been analysed as per the IUCN Red

List version 2.3 and 3.1. (www.iucnredlist.org)

3.5 DOCUMENTATION OF LOCAL AND ENGLISH NAME

The information on local names of the species was gathered from local communities

during the survey. The information on the English name of the plant was taken from available

resources (www.iucnredlist.org, www.cabi.org, www.iucngisd.org).


11

4. RESULTS

4.1 ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

4.1.1 DIVERSITY SURVEY

4.1.1.1 Gosabara

Gosabara wetland, complex comprises of 157 taxa of which 2 are pteridophytes and

155 are angiosperms. Out of 155 species of Angiosperm; 121 are Dicots belonging to 102

genus and 35 are monocots belonging to 33 genus. According to their origin out of121

species of dicotyledons, 1 is endemic, 19 are exotic, and 10 are indigenous.Fabaceae and

Asteraceae are the two dominant families among dicotyledons.Similarly out of the 35

monocots, 31 are indigenous, 2 are exotic and one is endemic, of which Poaceae is the

dominant family (Fig. 4).

Figure 4: Graph showing species diversity at Gosabara wetland complex


12

Out of 157 species, recorded from Gosabara wetland complex; 43 are of aquatic subhabitat which is further classified into four micro

habitats. Five species are of submereged habitat with Hydrocharitaceae as dominant family. Four species were partially submerged, six were

floating hydrophytes, 16 were of marshy habitat and 13 were dry puddle species.The salt marsh vegetation is represented by 7 species of salt

loving or salt tolerant plants on saline gorund and the area under the influence of tides. Land vegetation includes plants on the open land area of

wetland which represents 71 species where Prosopis is the main dominant species which is an invasive plant. Agriculture land vegetation

includes the plants growing on the agriculture hedges to the surrounding and adjacent wetland area represented by 18 species.Based on their

habit out of 157 species, 104 were herbs, seven climbing herbs, three twining herbs, one creeping herb, twenty shrubs, two twining shrubs, four

climbing shrubs, six under shrubs, twenty shrubs and ten trees(Table 1).

Table 1: Floristic Diversity of Gosabara

SN Botanical name Family Habit Phenology Origin

Water

Submerged aquatic plants

1. Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle Hydrocharitaceae Aquatic herb Oct-Jan Indigenous

2. Najas marina L. Hydrocharitaceae Aquatic herb Jan-Apr Indigenous

3. Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers. Hydrocharitaceae Aquatic herb Oct-Mar Indigenous

4. Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Boerner Potamogetonaceae Aquatic herb Aug-Oct Indigenous

5. Vallisneria natans (Lour.) H. Hara Hydrocharitaceae Aquatic herb Oct-Feb Indigenous

Floating aquatic plants

6. Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms Pontederiaceae Aquatic herb Oct-Dec Exotic

7. Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Convolvulaceae Twining herb Oct-Dec Indigenous


13


8. Lemna gibba L. Lemnaceea Aquatic herb Sep-Dec Indigenous

9. Limnophyton obtusifolium (L.) Miq. Alismataceae Aquatic herb Sep-Feb Indigenous

10. Nymphaea pubescens Willd. Nymphaeaceae Aquatic herb Oct-Dec Indigenous

11. Nymphaea rubra Roxb. ex Andrews Nymphaeaceae Aquatic herb Oct-Dec Indigenous

Wetland vegetation (incl. aquatic vegetation)

Partially submerged aquatic plants

12. Bolboschoenus maritimus ssp. affinis (Roth.) T. Koyama Cyperaceae Annual Sep-Dec Indigenous

13. Fimbristylis ferruginea (L.) Vahl. Cyperaceae Perennial Sep-Nov Indigenous

14. Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud. Poaceae Perennial Oct-Feb Indigenous

15. Schoenoplectus subulatus (Vahl) Lye Cyperaceae Perennial Sep-Jan Indigenous

Wetland or marshy plants

16. Ammannia baccifera L. var. baccifera Lythraceae Marshy herb Dec-Feb Indigenous

17. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Plantaginaceae Herb Jan-Mar Indigenous

18. Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. Pteridaceae Herb - Indigenous

19. Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. var.Prostrate Asteraceae Herb Aug-Jan Indigenous

20. Echinochloa colona (L.) Link Poaceae Annual Aug-Feb Indigenous

21. Eleocharis geniculata (L.) Roem. & Schult. Cyperaceae Annual Aug-Feb Indigenous

22. Hygrophila schulli (Buch.-Ham.) M. R. Almeida & S. M. Almeida Acanthaceae Herb Sep-Mar Indigenous

23. Marsilea quadrifolia L. Marsileaceae Herb - Indigenous

24. Paspalidium geminatum (Forssk.) Stapf Poaceae Perennial Aug-Nov Indigenous


14


25. Paspalum vaginatum Sw. Poaceae Annual Jul-Nov Indigenous

26. Oxystelma esculentum (L. f.) Sm. Asclepiadaceae Twining herb Aug-Oct Indigenous

27. Typha angustifolia L. Typhaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

Dry puddle vegetation

28. Chrozophora plicata (Vahl) A. Juss. ex Spreng. Euphorbiaceae Herb July-Oct Indigenous

29. Chrozophora rottleri (Geiseler) A. Juss. ex Spreng. Euphorbiaceae Herb July-Apr Indigenous

30. Coldenia procumbens L. Boraginaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

31. Commelina benghalensis L. Commelinaceae Herb Aug-Jan Indigenous

32. Dopatrium junceum (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex Benth. Scrophulariaceae Herb Aug-Dec Indigenous

33. Euphorbia prostrata Aiton Euphorbiaceae Herb Throughout Exotic

34. Glinus lotoides L. Aizoaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

35. Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir. Asteraceae Herb Dec-Apr Indigenous

36. Heliotropium curassavicum L. Boraginaceae Herb Throughout Exotic

37. Heliotropium supinum L. Boraginaceae Herb Aug-Apr Indigenous

38. Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Verbenaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

39. Polygonum plebeium R. Br. var.plebeium Polygonaceae Herb Sep-May Indigenous

40. Portulaca quadrifida L. Portulacaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

41. Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.) Hallier f. Convolvulaceae Creeping herb Aug-Feb Indigenous

42. Mollugo pentaphylla L. Aizoaceae Herb Jul-Dec Indigenous


15


Mangrooves

43. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. Avicenniaceae Tree Feb-Jun Indigenous


44. Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thwaites Poaceae Perennial Oct-Dec Indigenous

45. Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. Chenopodiaceae Herb Oct-Dec Indigenous

46. Atriplex stocksii (Wight) Boiss. Chenopodiaceae Under shrub Sep-Apr Indigenous

47. Cressa cretica L. Convolvulaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

48. Salicornia brachiata Roxb. Chenopodiaceae Herb Nov-Feb Indigenous

49. Suaeda fruticosa Forssk. ex J. F. Gmelin Chenopodiaceae Under Shrub Apr-Sep Indigenous

50. Suaeda nudiflora Moq. Chenopodiaceae Herb Apr-Sep Indigenous

Barren land

Sandy beach

51. Convolvulus microphyllus Seiber ex Spreng. Convolvulaceae Herb Aug-Oct Indigenous

52. Cyperus arenarius Retz. Cyperaceae Perennial Jun-Dec Indigenous

53. Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Stapf. Poaceae Perennial Oct-Dec Indigenous

54. Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. Boraginaceae Herb Dec-Apr Indigenous

55. Lotus garcinii DC. Fabaceae Herb Apr-Aug Indigenous

56. Polycarpaea spicata Wight & Arn. Caryophyllaceae Herb Oct-Nov Indigenous

57. Pulicaria angustifolia DC. Asteraceae Herb Feb-Aug Indigenous


16


Land vegetation


58. Acacia nilotica ssp. indica (Benth.) Brenan Mimosaceae Tree Jul-Oct Indigenous

59. Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Mimosaceae Tree Aug-May Exotic

60. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. Mimosaceae Tree May-Feb Exotic

61. Wattakaka volubilis (L. f.) Stapf Asclepiadaceae Twining shrub Apr-Feb Indigenous

62. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. f. & Thomson Menispermaceae Climbing shrub Jan-Aug Indigenous

63. Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. Caesalpiniaceae Under Shrub Jan-Jul Indigenous

64. Salvadora persica var. indica (Wight) T. A. Rao & Chakraborti Salvadoraceae Tree Nov-Feb Indigenous

Bunds

65. Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet ssp. indicum Malvaceae Shrub Throughout Indigenous

66. Abutilon ramosum (Cav.) Guill. & Perr. Malvaceae Shrub Sep-Oct Indigenous

67. Achyranthes aspera L. var. Aspera Amaranthaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

68. Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. Aristolochiaceae Herb Jul-Dec Indigenous

69. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Tree Dec-May Indigenous

70. Barleria prionitis L. ssp. Prionitis Acanthaceae Herb Sep-Mar Indigenous

71. Bergia suffruticosa (Delile) Fenzl Elatinaceae Under shrub Throughout Indigenous

72. Blepharis integrifolia (L. f.) E. Mey. & Drege ex Schinz Acanthaceae Herb Oct-Mar Indigenous

73. Boerhavia chinensis (L.) Rottb. Nyctaginaceae Herb Feb-Dec Indigenous

74. Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br. Asclepiadaceae Shrub Throughout Indigenous


17


75. Calotropis procera (Aiton) R. Br. Asclepiadaceae Shrub Throughout Indigenous

76. Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. Capparaceae Shrub Feb-Sep Indigenous

77. Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Sapindaceae Climbing herb Jul-Feb Indigenous

78. Clerodendron serratum (L.) Moon Verbenaceae Shrub Jun-Dec Indigenous

79. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea f.Albiflora Fabaceae Climbing herb Throughout Exotic

80. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea f.Ternetea Fabaceae Climbing herb Throughout Exotic

81. Cocculus hirsutus (L.) W. Theob. Menispermaceae Climbing shrub Nov-Apr Indigenous

82. Corchorus aestuans L. Tiliaceae Herb Aug-Dec Exotic

83. Corchorus olitorius L. Tiliaceae Herb Aug-Dec Indigenous

84. Corchorus tridens L. Tiliaceae Herb Aug-Dec Indigenous

85. Corchorus trilocularis L. Tiliaceae Herb Jul-Mar Indigenous

86. Ctenolepis cerasiformis (Stocks) Hook. f. Cucurbitaceae Climbing herb Aug-Oct Indigenous

87. Cucumis maderaspatanus L. Cucurbitaceae Climbing herb Jul-Nov Indigenous

88. Cucumis prophetarum L. Cucurbitaceae Climbing herb Jul-Oct Indigenous

89. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae Perennial Throughout Indigenous

90. Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. Poaceae Annual Throughout Indigenous

91. Datura metel L. Solanaceae Shrub Throughout Indigenous

92. Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panz. Poaceae Annual Aug-Feb Indigenous

93. Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Ramayya & Rajagopal Asteraceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

94. Maerua oblongifolia (Forssk.) A. Rich. Capparaceae Climbing shrub Oct-Feb Indigenous


18


95. Passiflora foetida L. var. foetida Passifloraceae Climbing shrub Aug-Dec Exotic

96. Pavonia ceratocarpa Masters Malvaceae Herb Aug-Oct Indigenous

97. Pentatropis spiralis (Forssk.)Decne. Asclepiadaceae Twining herb Aug-Dec Indigenous

98. Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. Asclepiadaceae Twining shrub Oct-Mar Indigenous

99. Peristrophe bicalyculata (Retz.) Nees Acanthaceae Herb Oct-Apr Indigenous

100. Physalis minima L. Solanaceae Herb Jul-Jan Indigenous

101. Rungia elegans Dalzell & A. Gibson Acanthaceae Herb Sep-Mar Endemic

102. Rungia repens (L.) Nees Acanthaceae Herb Aug-Jan Indigenous

103. Senna occidentalis (L.) Link. Caesalpiniaceae Under Shrub Throughout Exotic

104. Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. Poaceae Annual Jul-Nov Indigenous

105. Sida mysorensis Wight & Arn. Malvaceae Herb Aug-Dec Exotic

Open lands

106. Nothosaerva brachiata (L.) Wight Amaranthaceae Herb Sep-May Indigenous

107. Ocimum americanum L. Lamiaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

108. Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae Herb Sep-Mar Exotic

109. Dyerophytum indicum (Gibson ex Wight) Kuntze Plumbaginaceae Shrub Oct-Feb Indigenous

110. Echinops echinatus Roxb. Asteraceae Herb Sep-Jan Indigenous

111. Elytraria acaulis (L. f.) Lindau Acanthaceae Herb Jul-Dec Indigenous

112. Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal ssp. axillare Gentianaceae Herb Jul-Nov Indigenous

113. Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R. Br. Poaceae Annual Oct-Jan Indigenous


19


114. Euphorbia neriifolia L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub Nov-Apr Indigenous

115. Gossypium stocksii Mast. Malvaceae Shrub Oct-Dec Exotic

116. Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori Tiliaceae Shrub Apr-Sep Indigenous

117. Justicia procumbens L. Acanthaceae Herb Jun-Dec Indigenous

118. Tridax procumbens L. Asteraceae Herb Throughout Exotic

119. Verbascum chinense (L.) Santapau Scrophulariaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

120. Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Asteraceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

121. Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari Burseraceae Shrub Jan-May Indigenous

122. Celosia argentea L. Amaranthaceae Herb Jul-Dec Indigenous

123. Cenchrus ciliaris L. Poaceae Annual Jul-Jan Indigenous

124. Chloris barbata Sw. Poaceae Perennial Jul-Apr Indigenous

125. Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B.Clarke Asteraceae Herb Jan-Apr Indigenous

126. Tamarix indica Willd. Tamaricaceae Tree Aug-Mar Indigenous

127. Solanum virginianum L. Solanaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

128. Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth Poaceae Perennial Aug-Dec Indigenous

129. Hyphaene dichotomoma (Wight ex Graham) Furtado Arecaceae Tree Jul-Sep Endemic

130. Indigofera cordifolia B. Heyne ex Roth Fabaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

131. Indigofera oblongifolia Forssk. Fabaceae Herb Sep-Oct Indigenous

132. Stemodia viscosa Roxb. Scrophulariaceae Herb Oct-May Indigenous

133. Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight. & Arn. var. nummularia Rhamnaceae Shrub Jul-Jan Indigenous


20


134. Alhagi maurorum Medik. Fabaceae Herb Mar-Apr Indigenous

135. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC. Amaranthaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

136. Alysicarpus longifolius (Rottler ex Spreng.) Wight & Arn. Fabaceae Herb Sep-Mar Indigenous

137. Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae Herb Throughout Exotic

138. Aristida adscensionis L. Poaceae Annual Aug-Jan Indigenous

139. Xanthium indicum J. Koenig ex Roxb. Asteraceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

Agriculture land

Hedges

140. Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Liliaceae Herb Dec-May Exotic

141. Cordia sinensis Lam. Boraginaceae Tree Apr-Oct Indigenous

142. Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce Capparaceae Shrub Dec-Apr Indigenous

143. Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Cucurbitaceae Climbing herb Throughout Indigenous

144. Opuntia elatior L. Cactaceae Shrub Dec-May Exotic

145. Parkinsonia aculeata L. Caesalpiniaceae Shrub Nov-Mar Exotic

146. Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. var.mauritiana Rhamnaceae Shrub Sep-Feb Indigenous

147. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. Mimosaceae Tree Jan-Jul Exotic

148. Lantana camara ssp. aculeata (L.) R. W. Sanders Verbenaceae Shrub Throughout Exotic

149. Taverniera cuneifolia (Roth) Arn. Fabaceae Undershrub Aug-Nov Indigenous

Weeds

150. Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. Asphodelaceae Herb Dec-Mar Indigenous


21


151. Cyperus esculentus L. Cyperaceae Annual Jun-Oct Indigenous

152. Corchorus depressus (L.) Vicary Tiliaceae Herb Sep-Oct Indigenous

153. Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae Herb Nov-Apr Indigenous

154. Euphorbia perfoliata Scheutz Euphorbiaceae Herb Sep-Nov Indigenous

155. Medicago sativa L. Fabaceae Herb Throughout Exotic

156. Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W.Wight Fabaceae Shrub Jul-Mar Indigenous

157. Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. Fabaceae Shrub Aug-Dec Indigenous

There are 14 species which are cultivated in the interzonal wetland area of Gosabara that includes 7 dicots and 7 monocots(Table 2). The

cultivated species have been not incorporated in the list of wild species diversity (Table 2). These cultivated species covers majior part of

Agriculture habitat.

Table 2: Agricultural crops of Gosabara

SN Crops Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7

1. Pennissetum glaucum (Bajro) 0 1 0 1 1 1 1

2. Daucus carota (Carrot) 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

3. Ricinus communis (Castor) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

4. Cocos nucifera (Coconut) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

5. Gossypium herbaceum (Cotton) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

6. Coriander sativum(Dhaniya) 1 1 0 1 1 1 1


22

SN Crops Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7

7. Medicago sativa (Gadab) 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

8. Arachis hypogaea(Ground nut) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

9. Cuminum cyminum(Jeeru) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

10. Sorghum bicolour (Juwar) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

11. Raphanus sativus (Muli) 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

12. Solanum lycopersicum(Tomato) 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

13. Triticum aestivum (Wheat) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

14. Zea mays (Maize) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1


23

4.1.1.2 Khijadiya

From Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary total 86 plant taxa were documented during current

field assessment of which 85 are angiosperms and one was Pteridophyte. Out of 85

Angiosperm species69 were dicotsbelonging to 61 genus and 17 were monocots belonging to

17 genus. Out ofthe 69 dicots, 60 are of indigenous origin and 9 are exotic with

Chenopodiaceae and Asteraceae as dominant family.Similarly out of 17 species ofmonocots,

15 are ofindigenous origin and 2 are exotic with poaceae as domiant family (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Graph showing species diversity at Khijadiya Sanctuary


24

Out of 86 recorded species, 21 are of aquatic sub habitat which is further classified in to four micro habitats. Three species were partially

submerged, six were of marshy habitat and twelve were dry puddle of habitat. The salt marsh vegetation is represented by 15 species of salt

tolerant plants on saline gorund and the area under the influence of tides. Land vegetation includes plants on the open land area of wetland which

represents 50 species where the Prosopis is main invasive species in whole sanctuary area. Based on their habit, out of 86 speceis 51 were herbs,

two climbing herbs, one creeping herb, one twining herb, two climbing shrub, three under shrub, twelve shrubs and eleven trees (Table 3).

Table 3: Floristic Diversity of Khijadiya


Drying wetland

Partially submerged aquatic plants

1. Bolboschoenus maritimus ssp. affinis (Roth.) T. Koyama Cyperaceae Annual Sep-Dec Indigenous

2. Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud. Poaceae Perennial Oct-Feb Indigenous

3. Schoenoplectus subulatus (Vahl) Lye Cyperaceae Perennial Sep-Jan Indigenous

Wetland or marshy plants

4. Ammannia baccifera L. var. Baccifera Lythraceae Marshy herb Dec-Feb Indigenous

5. Echinochloa colona (L.) Link Poaceae Annual Aug-Feb Indigenous

6. Marsilea quadrifolia L. Marsileaceae Herb Jan-Feb Indigenous

7. Paspalidium geminatum (Forssk.) Stapf Poaceae Perennial Aug-Nov Indigenous

8. Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Verbenaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

9. Polygonum plebeium R. Br. var. plebeium Polygonaceae Herb Sep-May Indigenous


25


Dried wetland

10. Chrozophora plicata (Vahl) A. Juss. ex Spreng. Euphorbiaceae Herb July-Oct Indigenous

11. Chrozophora rottleri (Geiseler) A. Juss. ex Spreng. Euphorbiaceae Herb July-Apr Indigenous

12. Coldenia procumbens L. Boraginaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

13. Corchorus depressus (L.) Vicary Tiliaceae Herb Sep-Oct Indigenous

14. Dopatrium junceum (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex Benth. Scrophulariaceae Herb Aug-Dec Indigenous

15. Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. var. Prostrate Asteraceae Herb Aug-Jan Indigenous

16. Glinus lotoides L. Aizoaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

17. Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir. Asteraceae Herb Dec-Apr Indigenous

18. Heliotropium curassavicum L. Boraginaceae Herb Throughout Exotic

19. Heliotropium supinum L. Boraginaceae Herb Aug-Apr Indigenous

20. Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.) Hallier f. Convolvulaceae Creeping herb Aug-Feb Indigenous

21. Mollugo pentaphylla L. Aizoaceae Herb Jul-Dec Indigenous

Mangroove

22. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. Avicenniaceae Shrub Feb-Jun Indigenous

23. Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Rob. Rhizophoraceae Small tree Jul-Sep Indigenous

24. Rhizophora mucronata Lam. Rhizophoraceae Small tree Aug-Dec Indigenous


25. Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thwaites Poaceae Perennial Oct-Dec Indigenous

26. Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. Chenopodiaceae Herb Oct-Dec Indigenous


26


27. Atriplex stocksii (Wight) Boiss. Chenopodiaceae Under shrub Sep-Apr Indigenous

28. Cressa cretica L. Convolvulaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

29. Juncus maritimus Lam. Juncaceae Herb Oct-Dec Exotic

30. Polycarpaea spicata Wight & Arn. Caryophyllaceae Herb Oct-Nov Indigenous

31. Salicornia brachiata Roxb. Chenopodiaceae Herb Nov-Feb Indigenous

32. Salvadora persica var. indica (Wight) T. A. Rao &

Chakraborti

Salvadoraceae Tree Nov-Feb Indigenous

33. Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L. Aizoaceae Herb Nov-Jan Indigenous

34. Suaeda fruticosaForssk. ex J. F. Gmelin Chenopodiaceae Shrub Apr-Sep Indigenous

35. Suaeda nudiflora Moq. Chenopodiaceae Herb Apr-Sep Indigenous

36. Tamarix stricta Boiss. Tamaricaceae Shrub Feb-Jun` Indigenous

37. Taverniera cuneifolia (Roth) Arn. Fabaceae Under shrub Aug-Nov Indigenous

38. Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) C.E.Hubb. Poaceae Perennial Oct-Jan Indigenous

Land vegetation


39. Acacia nilotica ssp. indica (Benth.) Brenan Mimosaceae Tree Jul-Oct Indigenous

40. Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Mimosaceae Tree Aug-May Exotic

Bunds

41. Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet ssp. indicum Malvaceae Shrub Throughout Indigenous

42. Achyranthes asperaL. var. Aspera Amaranthaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous


27


43. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC. Amaranthaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

44. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Tree Dec-May Indigenous

45. Calotropis procera (Aiton)R. Br. Asclepiadaceae Shrub Throughout Indigenous

46. Corchorus olitorius L. Tiliaceae Herb Aug-Dec Indigenous

47. Corchorus trilocularis L. Tiliaceae Herb Jul-Mar Indigenous

48. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. Mimosaceae Tree May-Feb Exotic

49. Parkinsonia aculeata L. Caesalpiniaceae Shrub Nov-Mar Exotic

50. Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae Herb Sep-Mar Exotic

51. Passiflora foetida L. var. Foetida Passifloraceae Climbing shrub Aug-Dec Exotic

52. Pentatropis spirallis (Forssk.) Decne Asclepiadaceae Twining herb Aug-Dec Indigenous

53. Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. Arecaceae Tree Jan-Mar Indigenous

54. Physalis minima L. Solanaceae Herb Jul-Jan Indigenous

55. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. Mimosaceae Tree Jan-Jul Exotic

56. Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B.Clarke Asteraceae Herb Jan-Apr Indigenous

57. Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. Caesalpiniaceae Shrub Jan-Jul Indigenous

58. Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. Poaceae Annual Jul-Nov Indigenous

59. Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth Poaceae Perennial Aug-Dec Indigenous

60. Stemodia viscosa Roxb. Scrophulariaceae Herb Oct-May Indigenous

61. Tamarix indica Willd. Tamaricaceae Tree Aug-Mar Indigenous

62. Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Asteraceae Herb Throughout Indigenous


28


Open land

63. Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Liliaceae Herb Dec-May Exotic

64. Aristida adscensionis L. Poaceae Annual Aug-Jan Indigenous

65. Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. Capparaceae Shrub Feb-Sep Indigenous

66. Cenchrus ciliaris L. Poaceae Annual Jul-Jan Indigenous

67. Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae Herb Nov-Apr Indigenous

68. Chloris barbata Sw. Poaceae Perennial Jul-Apr Indigenous

69. Clerodendron phlomoides (L.) Moon Verbenaceae Shrub Jun-Dec Indigenous

70. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea f. albiflora Fabaceae Climbing herb Throughout Exotic

71. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea f. ternetea Fabaceae Climbing herb Throughout Exotic

72. Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Cucurbitaceae Climbing herb Throughout Indigenous

73. Cocculus hirsutus (L.) W. Theob. Menispermaceae Climbing shrub Nov-Apr Indigenous

74. Cordia dichotoma G. Forst. Boraginaceae Tree Jan-Jun Indigenous

75. Ctenolepis cerasiformis (Stocks) Hook. f. Cucurbitaceae Climbing herb Aug-Oct Indigenous

76. Cucumis maderaspatanus L. Cucurbitaceae Climbing herb Jul-Nov Indigenous

77. Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. Poaceae Annual Throughout Indigenous

78. Elytraria acaulis (L. f.) Lindau Acanthaceae Herb Jul-Dec Indigenous

79. Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal ssp. axillare Gentianaceae Herb Jul-Nov Indigenous

80. Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R. Br. Poaceae Annual Oct-Jan Indigenous

81. Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi ex Ghafoor Zygophyllaceae Undershrub Oct-Dec Indigenous


29


82. Indigofera oblongifolia Forssk. Fabaceae Shrub Sep-Oct Indigenous

83. Justicia procumbens L. Acanthaceae Herb Jun-Dec Indigenous

84. Solanum virginianum L. Solanaceae Herb Throughout Indigenous

85. Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. var. mauritiana Rhamnaceae Shrub Sep-Feb Indigenous

86. Zizyphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight. & Arn. var.

Nummularia

Rhamnaceae Shrub Jul-Jan Indigenous


30

4.1.2 Phytosociology

4.1.2.1. Phytosociologial analysis of Gosabara

In Gosabara wetland complex, ten tree species were recorded during the survey of

which 3 dominant species of tresswere considered for IVI analysisi.e.Prosopis juliflora,

Avicennia marina and Salvadora persica. Prosopis juliflora is the dominant tree species in

Gosabara with maximum IVI value i.e. 198.2. Prosopis is invaded in the open land area of

wetland and the prosopis cover may be increase due to grazing of seeds by the cattles or by in

sufficient rains. During frequency analysis prosopis showed highest frequency count which

indicates even distribution of the species in tree community in almost all the sites of the

wetland complex. A small pocket of Mangrrove near Shubhash Nagar Bridge is mainly

dominated by Avicennia marina with IVI value 57.7 having highest abundance value.

Salvadora persica is salt loving tree and its population size is very small covering small

pockets on bunds. The species has very less IVI value i.e. 43.8 compared to other two tree

species because of its restricted disrtbution (Table 4).

104 Species of herbs were recorded during the survey of which seven dominant

species were considered for IVI analysis.In the herbaceous community; the individuals of all

the species are not evenly distributed. Individuals of some species are wildely spaced while

those of some other species are found in clumps and mats. Schoenoplectus subulatus is the

dominant sedge with maximum IVI value 72.7and highest frequency and density that shows

its even distribution in all the sites of wetland followed by Cressa cretica, Bolboschoenus

maritimus andAeluropus lagopoides with IVI 31.3, 28.3 and 16.1 respectively.The

distribution patterns of individuals of different species indicate their reproductive capacity

and adaptability to the environment. Schoenoplectus is found to be most frequent and

adjustable species for wetland area. Though, species like Suaeda nudiflora, Halopyrum

mucronatum and Salicornia brachiata have IVI value less than 5.5 which states that they

covers minimum area of the wetland and their distribution is restricted to some parts of the

wetland but they were abundantin salinepockets.

The value of Sinmpson index of diversity ranges between 0-1, the greater the value

the greater the sample diversity. In our floral diversity study for Gosabara the Simpson index

of diversity value is 0.78 which indicates comparatively rich diversity of floristic diversity in

Gosabara Wetland complex.


31

Table 4: Phytosociological analysis of Gosabara

S.N. Species Frequency

%

Abundance

Density Relative frequency

%

Relative Density

%

Relative

Dominannce %

IVI

Herbs (m-1

)

1. Aeluropus lagopoides 8.5 434 37.01 5.8 10.4 - 16.1

2. Bolboschenous maritimus 22.7 202 46 15.4 12.9 - 28.3

3. Cressa cretica 40 37 15 27.1 4.2 - 31.3

4. Halopyrum mucronatum 3.6 182 6.5 2.4 1.8 - 4.3

5. Heliotropium supinum 2.9 5 0.15 1.9 0.04 - 2.0

6. Aeluropus lagopoides 6.7 49 2.4 4.5 0.5 - 5.1

7. Bolboschenous maritimus 14.3 11 1.5 9.7 0.4 - 10.1

8. Cressa cretica 48.8 289 141.2 33.1 39.6 - 72.7

Trees (ha-1

)

9. Avicennia marina 11.0 26000 2737 10.5 14.0 33.2 57.7

10. Prosopis juliflora 86.0 18955 16228 85.6 83.2 29.4 198.2

11. Salvadora persica 4.0 13727 530 3.85 2.7 37.3 43.8

Regeneration(ha-1

)

12. Prosopis juliflora 85 5 3.9 96.3 99.2 - -

13. Salvadora persica 3 1 0.03 3.7 0.8 - -


32

4.1.2.1. Phytosociologial analysis of Khijadiya

From Khijadiya Sanctuary eleven species of trees were recorded of which three dominant species i.e.Prosopis juliflora, Avicennia marina

and Salvadora persica were taken for IVI studies. Prosopis julifora is the most dominant invasive species of the sanctuary spreaded in whole

sanctuary with maximum IVI value of 147.7. The species is also invaded in the water pockets and open land which hinders the growth of other

plants and decrease faunal diversity. A big patch of mangroove was their in the part 1 of the sanctuary which is mainly dominated by Avicennia

marinawith 82.1 IVI value and highest abundance. The species is restricted to the salt marsh area but dominant in that area. Salvadora persica

has sparse distribution and found on bunds and some individuals are found be scattered on some sites with 66.0 IVI value which indicates that

the species is not widely spreaded and also has lowest abundance value (Table 5).

51 species of herbs were recorded of which sevendominant species were taken for IVI analysis. Cressa cretica is the most dominant

species with IVI of 73.2 followed by Aeluropus lagopoides, Schoenoplectus subulatus, Urochondra setulosa, Arthrocnemum indicum,

Chrozophora plicata andGlinus lotoides with their IVI values 30.6, 26.1, 16.0, 15.6, 11.2 and 10.1 respectively.Cressa cretica is having highest

frequency and density followed by Arthrocnemum, Crozophora, Glinus, Schoenoplectus, Urochondra and Aleuropus which indicates the

distribution pattern of this species in the area where cressa is evenly distributed in all the parts of the sanctuary. As Cressa is dry puddle species

and found on the saline grounds; so once the drying of water gets starts the Cressa spreads all over the area being dominant herb in the area.

Small patch of Urochondra was located in association with Arthrocnemumwith less IVI value but the species are abundant in that area due the

restricted distribution with highest abundance value.

Simpson diversity is the measure of diversity. The value of Simpson index of diversity for Khijadiya is 0.76 which indicates

comparatively good floral diversity from the prospective of aquatic pockets.


33

Table 5: Phytosociological Analysis of Khijadiya

S.N. Species Frequency

%

Abundance Density Relative frequency

%

Relative Density

%

Relative

Dominance %

IVI

Herbs (m-1

)

1. Aeluropus lagopoides 8.5 265.7 22.6 7.3 23.3 - 30.6

2. Arthrocnemum indicum 16.0 10.5 1.7 13.8 1.7 - 15.6

3. Cressa cretica 51.3 54.6 28.0 44.4 28.8 - 73.2

4. Chrozophora plicata 11.8 8.4 1.0 10.2 1.0 - 11.2

5. Urochondra setulosa 8.5 99.2 8.4 7.3 8.7 - 16.0

6. Glinus lotoides 10.8 6.9 0.7 9.3 0.8 - 10.1

7. Schoenoplectus subulatus 8.8 203.2 17.9 7.6 18.5 - 26.1

Trees (ha-1

)

8. Avicennia marina 30.7 38800 11900 29.2 30.6 22.3 82.1

9. Prosopis juliflora 69.3 36100 25000 66.0 64.4 17.3 147.7

10. Salvadora persica 5.0 7400 400 4.7 0.9 60.4 66.0

Regeneration (ha-1

)

11. Prosopis juliflora 93.3 10 10.2 100.0 93.1 - -


34

4.1.3 GIS MAPPING

4.1.3.1 Gosabara

Gosabara wetland complex coveres a total of 129 square kilometre area.GIS maps were

prepared for both the seasons, post monsoon (7th

November 2015) and summer (15th

April

2016). The change in the area of sub habitats of wetland during both the season is given

below (Figure 6, Mapp 3 & 4).

Figure 6: Change in Sub-habitats during Post-monsoon and Summer

GO

SA

BA

RA

WE

TL

AN

D (

12

9 s

q.

km

)

November 2015 April 2016

Water

(56.4 sq. km)

Water

(2.5 sq. km)

Wetland vegetation


(32.6 sq. km)

Wetland vegetation


(27.9 sq. km)


(7.8 sq. km)


(6.9 sq. km)

Land vegetation

(incl. Prosopis)

(11.3 sq. km)

Land vegetation

(incl. Prosopis)

(19.0 sq. km)

Barren land

(14.0 sq. km)

Barren land

(65.4 sq. km)

Agriculture land

(6.9 sq. km)

Agriculture land

(7.3 sq. km)


35

Map 3: GIS Map of Gosabara (07/11/2015)


36

Map 4: GIS Map of Gosabara (15/04/2016)


37

The changes in these sub-habitats during post monsoon and summer are as follows:

Sub-Habitat I (Water): The area covered by the habitat during post monsoon

(November 2015) period was56.4 sq.km.which was gradually reduced to 2.5 sq. km by

summer (April, 2016). In the process of drying the submerged and floating aquatic

vegetation was gradually occupied by dry puddle vegetation (Cressa cretica, Glinus

lotoides, Grangea madraspatensis, Heliotropium curssavicum, Heliotropium supium,

Chrozophora rottleri, Coldenia procumbens, Eleocharis geminatum etc.) and grass

carpets (Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum vaginatum, Sporobolus virginicus, Aeluropus

lagopoides). The change in the vegetation pattern is given in the below text box with

dominant species.

Aquatic pockets were occupied by grass carpet (Cynodon dactylon) during summer near

Tukda Gosa site

Post Monsoon

Nymphaeae, Hydrilla,

Potamegeton, Najas,

Ottelia, Vallisneria

Summer

Cressa, Glinus, Grangea,

Heliotropium, Chrozophora,

Coldenia,Eleocharis,

Cyanodon


38

Hydrilla community established at Dharampur and Odadar sites.

Ottelia community established at Virpur site


39

Changes in the habitat from aquatic (Stuckenia&Najas) to barren land in Mokar site


40

Sub-Habitat II (Wetland vegetation): The area under this sub-habitat during post-

monsoonal period was 32.6 sq. km which gradually reduced to 27.9 sq. km during

summer. Wetland vegetation includes Schoenoplectus, Bolboschoenus and Phragmites on

the edges of water body and during summer this vegetation got dried. Bolboschoenus

was grazed by the cattles.

Bolboschoenus and Schoenoplectus community at Odadar island site

Post Monsoon

Schoenoplectus,

Bolboschoenus,

Phragmites

Summer

Schoenoplectus (dried)

Bolboschoenus(Grazed by

Cattles)

Phragmites(Remained same)

Mangroove vegetation

Avicennia

Mangroove vegetation

Avicennia

(Remained same)


41


42

Change in the habitat from November-April


43

Sub-Habitat III (Salt marsh): The area under this pocket was increased owing to drying

of water pocket and increase in salinity due to lowering of water table. The central zone

of Gosabara which was fully merged under water during Post monsoon period gradually

got dried and was later occupied by Salicornia, Suaeda, Arthrocnemum and Cressa.

Suaeda nudiflora community at Keshod (Lushana) site

Post Monsoon

Suaeda, Arthrocnemum,

Aeluropus, Cressa

Summer

Suaeda, Arthrocnemum

(Dried), Aeluropus (Dried),

Cressa, Salicornia


44

Change in the habitat from November-April


45

Sub-Habitat IV (Barrenland): This habitat was initially 15 sq. km which has gradually

increased to 65 sq. km.This increases is owing to the drying of wetland during the span

four months. The barren land includes the sandy beach area where the vegetational area

is not that much large so in GIS mapping it was considered as barren land but some

vegetational diversity has been found which is given in the below text box.

Halopyrum mucronatum community at the sandy beach of Tukda Gosa site

Post Monsoon

Convolvulus, Halopyrum,

Heliotropium bacciferum,

Lotus, Polycarpaea,

Launaea, Cyperus

Summer

Halopyrum, Heliotropium

bacciferum, Lotus, Cyperus


46

Cressa cretica growing on the barren land at Keshod (Lushana) site

Prosopis felled in the periphery of the Gosabara wetland near Bhod site


47

Alhagi maurorum community established at Tukda Gosa site

Sub-Habitat V (Agriculture): The agriculture area has reduced from Post monsoon to

Summer owing to lack of fresh water. However the agriculture areas attacts many birds

like Demoiselle crane during the post-harvested period of groundnut and chickpea. There

are other cultivated species such asPennissetum glaucum (Bajro), Daucus carota (Carrot),

Ricinus communis (Castor), Cocos nucifera (Coconut), Gossypium herbaceum (Cotton),

Coriander sativum (Dhaniya), Medicago sativa (Gadab), Arachis hypogaea (Ground nut),

Cuminum cyminum (Jeeru), Sorghum bicolour (Juwar), Raphanus sativus (Muli),

Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) and Triticum aestivum (Wheat).


48

Barren cumin field gradually occupied by Cressa cretica towards Pipaliya site

Demoiselle cranes feeding on groundnut field near Padardi site


49

4.1.3.2 Khijadiya

Khijadiya bird sanctuary covers a total of 19 square kilometre area. The GIS map of the

study area was prepared for Post monsoon (7th

November 2015) and summer season. The

site has been divided in to six sub habitats based on the area covered by various habitat or

vegetation (Fig 7, Map 5 & 6).

Figure 7: Change in Sub-habitats during Post-monsoon and summer in Khijadiya

KH

IJA

DIY

A W

ET

LA

ND

(1

9 s

q. k

m)

November 2015 April 2016

Water

(0.2 sq. km)

Water

(0.2 sq. km)

Drying wetland

(1.3 sq. km)

Drying wetland

(1.5 sq. km)

Dried wetland

(7.9 sq. km)

Dried wetland

(7.9 sq. km)


(4.6 sq. km)


(6.1 sq. km)

Mangrove

(0.5 sq. km)

Mangrove

(1.2 sq. km)

Land vegetation

(incl. Prosopis)

(4.8 sq. km)

Land vegetation

(incl. Prosopis)

(2.3 sq. km)


50

Map 5: GIS Map of Khijadiya (07/11/2015)


51

Map 6: GIS Map of Khijadiya (15/04/2016)


52

Sub habitat 1 – Water: The area covered by water has remained the same. No

aquatic vegetation has been located.

Sub Habitat 2 – Drying Wetland: The area covered by this sub habitat was

increased from 1.3 sq.km. to 1.5 sq.km from post monsoon to monsoon.

Bolboschoenus, Phragmitis and Schoenoplectus have been located from this area

which gradually got dried over a period of time.

Sub Habitat 3 – Dried Wetland: The area covered by dried wetland has remained

the same.

Sub Habitat 4 – Salt Marsh Vegetation:The area under salt marsh was increased

from 4.6 to 6.1 sq.km over a period of time. The species like arthrocnemum and

urochodra has formed the big patches in this area.

Sub Habitat 5 – Mangroove: The mangroove vegetation has also been increased

from 0.5 to 1.2 sq. km. over a period of time.

Sub Habitat 6 – Land Vegetation: Land vegetation includes species located from

open land. Prosopis juliflora is the dominant invasive species of land vegetation.The

area coverd by Prosopisjuliflora and other land vegetation was decreased from 4.8 to

2.3 sq. km due to removal of Prosopis from the site which will help in the restoration

of water during rains (c.f. Map 5 & 6).

The cultivated species such as Pennissetum glaucum (Bajro), Ricinus communis

(Castor), Gossypium herbaceum (Cotton), Coriander sativum (Dhaniya), Arachis

hypogaea (Ground nut), Cuminum cyminum (Jeeru), Sorghum bicolour (Juwar) and

Ziziphus mauritiana (Khat bor) are grown in the surrounding buffer zone of Khizadia.


53


54

4.1.4 BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SOIL

4.1.4.1 Gosabara

Total Nitrogen/Organic carbon

The soil having good amount of total nitrogen or organic carbon is good for

agriculture practices. So, site 1 and 5 are of good quality for agriculture practicies (Table 6).

Phosphate and Potassium

The phosphate content was low at all the sites and the amount of potassium was

highest in all sites except Dharampur.

pH and Conductivity (EC)

Soil pH affects the soil‟s physical, chemical and biological properties and processes,

as well as plant growth. The nutrition, growth and yields of most crops will decrease where

pH is low and increase as pH rises to an optimum level. Most of the crops grow best if pH is

close to neutral (pH 6 to 7.5). The soil of site 2, 4 and 6 has pH in a range of 6-7.5 which is

good for agricultural practices. EC is high in Site 1, 5 and 6 and medium in site 2 and 3

(Table 6).

At site 1 and 2 Salicornia and Arthrocnemum forms the major and unique vegetation.

Creea is the dominanting and most frequent species at all the areas of Gosabara


55

Table 6: Soil analysis of Gosabara

Parameters 1 (Chhaya) 2 (Dharampur) 4 (Tukda Gosa) 5 (Mokar) 6 (Keshod)

Total

Nitrogen/Organic

Carbon (OC)%

0.94 High 0.38 Low 0.63 Medium 0.99 High 0.65 Medium

P2O5,kg/Ac 6.00 Low 6.00 Low 7.00 Low 7.00 Low 7.00 Low

K2O,kg/Ac 283.00 Very high 123.00 High 240.00 Very high 525.00 Very high 395.00 Very high

pH 1:2 8.10 Neutral 7.42 Neutral 7.29 Neutral 7.80 Neutral 7.07 Neutral

EC 1:2 1.90 High

salinity

0.55 Medium

salinity

0.62 Medium

salinity

11.90 Extremely

high-salinity

2.97 Very high-

salinity

Representative

Vegetation

Cressa,

Arthrocnemum,

Salicornia

Bacopa,

Arthrocnemum,

Salicornia

Alhagi, Cynodon,

Sporobolus, Glinus

Cressa, Suaeda,

Heliotropium, Grangea,

Aeluropus

Cressa, Suaeda,

Tamarix, Aeluropus

4.1.4.2 Khijadiya

Table 7 shows that Total Nitrogen/Organic Carbon content was more in Part 1 and 2 of the sanctuary due to the decomposition plant

debris. Phosphate content is low and Potassium is high in all the sites. The soil is vey saline having neutral pH which is not good for agariculture

practices.


56

Table 7: Soil analysis of Khijadiya

Parameters 1(Part 1) 2 (Part 2) 3 (Jambuda, Mangroove pocket)

Total Nitrogen/Organic Carbon

(OC)%

0.98 High 1.05 High 0.73 Medium

P2O5,kg/Ac 8.00 Low 6.00 Low 6.00 Low

K2O,kg/Ac 230.00 Very high 275.00 Very high 245.00 Very high

pH 1:2 7.33 Neutral 8.09 Neutral 8.28 Alkali

EC 1:2 17.88 Extremely high-

salinity

17.67 Extremely high-

salinity

4.79 Very high-salinity

Representative Vegetation Glinus, Chrozophora,

Grangea

Cressa, Tamarix, Suaeda Avicennia, Urochondra,

Arthrocnemum


57

4.1.5 BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF WATER

4.1.5.1 Gosabara

During the study six collected water samples were analysed for pH, conductivity,

TDS, DO, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phytoplankton density and diversity. The pH and conductivity are

range for all the samples except site 3 were the conductivity is very high because this site site

is nearer to Sea. At site 1 the phytoplankton diversity is highest but density is low dute to

higher amount of nitrate content. More amount of nitrate leads to decrease on phytoplankton

density. At site 4 the TDS is very high due to high amount of salts in the water sample and

because of that the phytoplankton diversity is comparatively less but density is high. The

maximum phytoplankton count was 3400 at site 5 where, the nitrite content is highin

comparision to nitrate. At site 1 the phytoplankton density minimum might be due to the low

dissolved oxygen, and the high amount of Nitrtae. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) content is in a

range at all the site of Gosabara. The water of site 5 and 6 has highest DO and lowest TDS

which is good for drinking purpose. The water of site 4 has comparatively higher

conductivity because it is very close to the sea.

Maximum phytoplankton diversity was found at site 1 and minimum at site 3(Table

8). The species like Chlorella, Spirogyra, Fragilaria, Navicula, Nitzschia and Nostoc are the

important species of phytoplanktons observed during the study period. Chlorella is

considered as economically important species used as protein source in aqua feed.


58

Table 8: Water analysis of Gosabara

Sites pH Conductivity

(µs/cm)

TDS

mg/l

DO

mg/l

Nitrite

μmol/l

Nitrate

mg/l

Phytoplankton Phytoplankton density

L-1

1 (Chhaya) 8.5 230 150 2.032 0.037 0.378 17 2750

2 (Dharampur) 8.9 180 110 2.71 0.112 0.278 12 3050

4 (Tukda Gosa) 8.4 300 180 3.613 0.037 0.079 9 3000

5 (Mokar) 8.4 170 110 4.968 0.187 0.038 9 3400

6 (Keshod) 7.5 190 120 3.952 0.112 0.078 9 3100

4.1.5.2 Khijadiya

During the study three water samples were collected from different sites of Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary. Table 9 shows that in Khijadiya the

pH of all the site is in normal range. The conductivity is also in range except site 3 where it is high due to the sea water. TDS is also high in site

3 due to more salt concentration.

Table 9: Water analysis of Khijadiya

Sites pH Conductivity

(µs/cm)

TDS

mg/l

DO

mg/l

Nitrite

μmol/l

Nitrate

(mg/l)

Phytoplankton Phytoplankton

density

1 (Part 1) 7.9 210 130 - - 0.046 10 2000

2 (Part 2) 8.3 130 190 - - 0.156 8 2400

3 (Jambuda, Mangroove pocket) 8.3 330 210 - - 0.188 10 2500


59

A total of 11 species of phytoplanktons were identified from Khijadiya. Amphora,

Fragilaria, Navicula, Raphidiopsis and Euglena are the five genera which were located from

all the water samples colllcted from Khijadiya. The maximum phytoplankton count was 2500

at site 3. Over a period of time increase in the phytoplankton count was observed.

Out of three sites 1and 5 have equal species of phytoplanktons and site 2 has

comparatively less species. The species like Fragilaria, Navicula, Nitzschia and Nostoc are

the important species observed during the study period (Table 9).

4.2 THREAT ASSESSMENT

Straying of birds by polythene bags

A line of plastic strips or polythene bags is tied with sticks planted like a flag in the field,

as the flags make noise in the wind and scare away the birds. But, as polythene is a non-

biodegradable product, if they fall to the ground and get buried they could harm the soil.

Thus, farmers should be made aware about the environmental consequences of using plastic.

Agricultural Field of Jeeru (Mokar)


60

Algal Blooms

An algal bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae (typically

microscopic) in a water system. Freshwater algal blooms are the result of an excess of

nutrients, particularly some phosphates. The excess of nutrients may originate from fertilizers

that are applied to land for agricultural purposes. They may also originate from household

cleaning products containing phosphorus.Algal blooms have negative impact on the aquatic

diversity of flora and fauna due due to high nutrient content prevailing in the water that

results in toxins over a period of time if the blooms are severe.

Eutrophication: This feature is only observed in saline pockets at the mouth of

Mokarsagar.

Algal blooms (Tukada Gosa, Gosabara,)

Prosopis Invasion

Prosopis is the main invasive species of both the wetlands especially in Khijadiya where

it covers the maximum area of the sanctuary.Prosopis possess deep roots which lead to the

lowering of water table. The growth of Prosopis is very fast and spreads very vigorously

inhibiting the growth of other plants. In Khijadiya the Prosopis is spreaded in such an extent

that it has covered the water pockets also this may lead to the decrease in the diversity of

flora and fauna.


61

Prosopis invasion in Khijadiya

SUGGESTION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Pumping of potable water to agriculture fields

Anthropogenic pressure such as the pumping of groundwater for irrigation is a major

threat for the wetland. But actually it is the main available water source for irrigation and

daily use for local community after monsoon. As the area is semi-arid zone and water

scarcity is a major problem. The sustainable use of water is needed.

Pumping of water for irrigation, Gosabara


62

Grazing Activity

Cressa and Bolboschoenus are the two main communities which main sources of fodder

for the cattle during post-monsoon period. The drying habitat is later on occupied by the

Shepherd community (Maldharis/Rabaris) to graze their cattle‟s. The cattle community is

dependent on the Cressa, Bolboschoenus and Schoenoplectus as a source of their fodder.

Sedges as a source of fodder (Gosabara)

Camel grazing on Cressa (Gosabara)


63

Fishing Activity

Fishing is the major threat to the wetland diversity of Birds and even aquatic plant

diversity. It should not be stopped as it is the main source of income for the locals but it

should be in sustainable way because due to fishing net the birds gets trapped in to the net

and they get died and aquatic plants were also uprooted due to fishing net.

Fishing Activityat Site 1 (Backgound communitySchoenoplectus littoralis)


64

4.3 ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT SPECIES

Economic valuation of 66 plants has been done (Table 10) where the maximum value

is of Acacia nilotica (27.72) and minimum is of Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica,

Schoenoplectus littoralis, Pavonia ceratocarpa and Mollugo pentaphylla (0.11). The gum of

Commiphora wightii and Acacia nilotica is highly demanded and has highest importance

value. Medicago sativa has highest fodder value and largely used by the locals as fodder for

cattles. Gossypium stocksii and Prosopis juliflora has highest importance value as fibre and

fuel wood respectively.

The weland during post monsoon (October) to summer (November) shows a gradual

decline in the population of Bolboschoenus community. This is most preferred fodder for

cattles. With the gradual decrease in water depth, the intrazonal Bolboschoenus community

becomes accessible to cattles as a fodder. As the water dries the fodder source switches from

Bolboschoenus to Aeluropus, Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum. Though Schoenoplectus is not a

preferred grass by cattles but during scarcity they feed upon it, moreover purple moorhen

feeds upon its tubers which are rich source of starch for them.

The Barren land during winter to summer is occupied by Cressa cretica which

becomes a major source of fodder for camel. Tamarix indica is a good fencing plant with

pink flowers. It forms a good road side tree in Khijadiya. The same can be repeated in other

parts of the wetland.

Tamarix indica as a good fencing plant with pink flowers


65

Table 10: Species of Economic importance

Sn Species Name Food/Nutrition Medicine Fibre Fodder Fuel wood Fencing Timber Dye Toothbrush Oil Gum TIV

1. Abutilon indicum - 1 1 - - - - - - - - 0.22

2. Acacia nilotica 3 4 - - 8 2 8 - 9 - 8 27.72

3. Achyranthes aspera - 5 - - - - - - - - - 2.75

4. Aeluropus logopoides - - - 7 - - - - - - - 5.39

5. Alhagi pseudalhagi - - 4 - - - - - - - - 1.76

6. Aloe vera 4 5 - - - 4 - - - - - 6.20

7. Ammannia baccifera - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

8. Argemone mexicana - 2 - - - - - - - 1 - 0.50

9. Aristolochia bracteata - 3 - - - - - - - - - 0.99

10. Asphodelus tenuifolius - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

11. Avicennia marina - - - 1 3 - - - - 1 - 0.92

12. Azadirachta indica - 4 - - 5 - - - 8 3 - 11.00

13. Bacopa monnieri - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

14. Barleria prionitis - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

15. Boerhavia chinensis - 5 - - - - - - - - - 2.75

16. Bolboschoenus

maritimus

2 - - 8 - - - - - - - 5.50

17. Cadaba fruticosa - - - - - 3 - - - - - 0.99


66


18. Calotropis gigantea - 3 - - - 3 - - - - - 1.98

19. Calotropis procera - 2 - - - 2 - - - - - 0.88

20. Capparis decidua 4 2 - - - - - - - - - 1.98

21. Chloris barbata - - - 5 - - - - - - - 2.75

22. Coccinia indica 4 3 - - - - - - - - - 2.70

23. Corchors depressus - 4 1 - - - - - - - - 1.38

24. Commiphora wightii - - - - - - - - 7 - 10 15.90

25. Cressa cretica - 3 - 6 - - - - - - - 4.46

26. Datura metel - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

27. Dicanthium annulatum - - - 9 - - - - - - - 8.91

28. Echinochloa colona 1 - - 2 - - - - - - - 0.50

29. Eclipta prostrata - 3 - - - - - 5 - - - 3.52

30. Enicostemma axillare - 4 - - - - - - - - - 1.76

31. Euphorbia nerrifloia - - - - - 7 - - - - - 5.39

32. Fagonia schweinfurthii - 3 - - - - - - - - - 0.99

33. Fimbristylis ferruginea - - - 2 - - - - - - - 0.44

34. Glinus lotoides - - - 3 - - - - - - - 0.99

35. Gossypium stocksii - - 10 - 1 - - - - 6 - 10.60

36. Grewia tenax 2 - - - 1 - - - - - - 0.50


67


37. Heliotropium supinum - 1 - 2 - - - - - - - 0.50

38. Hydrilla verticillata - 1 - - - - - - - - - 0.11

39. Indigofera oblongifolia - 1 - 1 - - - 2 3 - - 1.35

40. Ipomoea aquatica 1 - - - - - - - - - - 0.11

41. Lantana camara 1 1 - - - 4 - - - - - 1.32

42. Maerua oblongifolia - - - - - 2 - - - - - 0.44

43. Medicago sativa - 1 - 10 - - - - - - - 6.66

44. Merremia gangeticum - 2 - 1 - - - - - - - 0.50

45. Mollugo pentaphylla - 1 - - - - - - - - - 0.11

46. Mukia maderaspatensis - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

47. Nymphaea pubescens 1 1 - - - - - - - - - 0.22

48. Opuntia elatior 1 - - - - 5 - - - - - 1.98

49. Parkinsonia aculeata 3 4 - - 2 4 - - - - - 4.65

50. Pavonia ceratocarpa 1 - - - - - - - - - - 0.11

51. Paspalidium geminatum 2 - - 6 - - - - - - - 3.52

52. Paspalum

scrobiculatum

3 - - 6 - - - - - - - 4.46

53. Pentatropis capensis 1 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.50

54. Pergularia daemia - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

55. Pithecellobium dulce 9 - - - - - - - - - - 8.91


68


56. Pluchea lanceolata - 3 - - - - - - - - - 0.99

57. Portulaca quadrifida 4 2 - - - - - - - - - 1.98

58. Prosopis juliflora 2 - - 4 9 3 - - - - 2 8.80

59. Salvadora oleoides 5 2 - - 5 - 7 - 9 - - 17.25

60. Senna auriculata - 2 - - 2 - - - - - - 0.88

61. Senna occidentalis - 2 - - - - - - - - - 0.44

62. Schoenoplectus

subulatus

- - - 1 - - - - - - - 0.11

63. Sporobolus virginicus - - - 4 - - - - - - - 1.76

64. Tamarix indica - - - - 2 - - - - - - 0.44

65. Taverniera cuneifolia - 2 - 1 - - - - - - - 0.50

66. Zizyphus nummularia 5 - - - 1 - - - - - - 1.98


69

Plate 1: Purple Moorhen feeding upon Schoenoplectus tubers


70

Plate 2: Birds feeding on Aeluropus logopoides

Plate 3: Prosopis for Baya weaver’s nesting


71

Plate 4: Prosopis providing shelter to the Birds


72

Plate 5: Prosopis providing shelter to the Birds (Green Bea eater)


73

4.3.1 Ethno-botany:

Local people (villagers), aged persons and farmers were interviewed and sometimes

taken for excursions at the study area to document the ethnobotany of plants. Farmers of this

region give good weightage for predictions of onset of monsoon because the choice of

cropping pattern depends on that. Villagers have been using the behavior of specific birds,

plants, animals, wind direction (on Akhatrij) as indicators of rain.

1. Avicennia marina (Cheriya) (Resource person: Rama Kara, Virambhai)

Leaves are used as fodder in famine. Dried branches are used as fuel.

2. Alhagi pseudalhagi (Javaso) (Resource person: Virambhai)

Plants are used as fodder during starvation condition. Whole plant is boiled in water

and bathed to cure itching.

3. Argemone mexicana (Darudi) (Resource person: Virambhai)

During fever, make an equal mixture of its seeds with black pepper. Then, take it

twice a day for 2 days with one cup curd.

4. Asphodelus tenuifolius (Dungro) (Resource person: Virambhai, Rama Kara)

During stomach ulcers, half cup leaves juice is given for 2 days.

5. Acacia nilotica (Desi baval, Dataniyo baval) (Resource person: Rama Kara)

Fresh exuding gum is eaten and liked by children. Twigs are used as datun (traditional

tooth brush).

6. Barleria prionitis (Kantasheriyo) (Resource person: Rama Kara)

Paste of the whole plant is mixed with til oil (sesame oil) and heated then applied for

bone fracture in cattle.

7. Calotropis gigantea (Aakdo) (Resource person: Jayendra Chudasama)

A garland of the flowers is offered to Lord Hanuman. Root bark powder is given

during snake bites. Salt is mixed in milky latex and dried to powder form, and applied

during toothache.

8. Pentatropis spiralis (Hudiyo) (Resource person: Nagarjun, Janakbhai)

Leaves are crushed and mixed with cattle feed, to increase milk yield.


74

9. Pergularia daemia (Chamardudhli) (Resource person: Nagarjun)

At least ten flowers are taken along with table salt twice a day for treatment of cough.

10. Tridax procumbens (Pardeshi bhangro) (Resource person: Pola Odedra)

Paste of leaves is applied over fresh cuts to check bleeding.

11. Eclipta alba (Kalobhangro) (Resource person: Pola Odedra)

Leaf extract of Eclipta alba and ash of dried Heliotropium supinum mixed with

coconut oil and applied on hairs to remove dandruff.

12. Heliotropium supinum (Ghediyo Okhrad) (Resource person: Nagarjun)

Plant is used as a fodder. Leaf extract of Eclipta alba and ash of dried Heliotropium

supinum mixed with coconut oil and applied on hairs to remove dandruff.

13. Cassia occidentalis (Kasundro) (Resource person: Pola Odedra, Nagarjun)

Fruits considered as a good fodder. During throat infection, half spoon leaf juice is

taken along with honey.

14. Cadaba fruticosa (Kalo katkiyo) (Resource person: Pola Odedra, Nagarjun, Janakbhai)

Grown as fence on agricultural hedges for protection against animals and wind.

15. Capparis decidua (Kerdo) (Resource person: Pola Odedra)

Unripe fruits are used to prepare pickles and ripe fruits are eaten. Grown as fencing

on agricultural hedges against animals.

16. Maerua arenaria (Dholo Katkiyo) (Resource person: Pola Odedra, Nagarjun, Janakbhai)

Grown as fencing on agricultural hedges against animals.

17. Commelina benghalensis (Shishmudiyu) (Resource person: Nagarjun)

To get relief from swelling of eyes, leaf extract is applied over eyes two or three times

a day.

18. Bolboschoenus maritimus (Saaj) (Resource person: Pola Odedra, Nagarjun, Janakbhai)

Good fodder for cattle. Tubers having high starch content are consumed by purple

moorhens and wild soars.

19. Schoenoplectus littoralis subsp. thermalis (Tader)


75

The plant is not consumed by any animal or bird. Plants are stacked in compact

bundles and tied to make thatch work of the roof.

20. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea f. ternetea (Garni) and C. ternetea var. ternetea f. albiflora

(Dholi Gharni) (Resource person: Jayendra Chudasama)

Both blue and white flowers are offered to God in temples.

21. Medicago sativa (Gadab) (Resource person: Rama Kara)

Plants are grown and used as healthy nutritive fodder. Flowering twigs are tied around

the marriage mandap as toran to decorate it in house of bride.

22. Pithecellobium dulce (Goras Ambli) (Resource person: Rama Kara)

The white aril is sweet in taste and eaten fondly by people. Dried stem is used as fuel

and making agricultural implements.

23. Indigofera oblongifolia (Jhil) (Resource person: Rama Kara)

Twigs are used as a broom. Aerial parts are used as a fodder in famine condition.

24. Azadirachta indica (Limdo) (Resource person: Raju Parmar, Nagarjun, Janakbhai, Karsan

Waghela, Darshan Chavda, Deudhabhai, Lakhabhai, Khimjibhai)

If more fruit appears in tree and it remains healthy and ripen than it is sign of good

season for agriculture. Twigs are used as datun (traditional toothbrush). Leaves are

burnt to repel mosquitoes. To confirm whether the snake that had bitten the person

was poisonous or not this plant is used, leaves are chewed by the person and if it is

tasteless than the snake is declared to be poisonous.

25. Prosopis juliflora (Gando baval) (Resource person: Raju Parmar, Nagarjun, Janakbhai,

Karsan Waghela, Darshan Chavda, Deudhabhai, Lakhabhai, Khimjibhai)

Pods are very useful as cattle fodder in adverse condition. Dried branches are used as

fuel. Dry branching is used to prepare fencing surrounding the cropland and also act

as a live fence. The wood is used for coal.

26. Nymphaea pubescens (Nilkamal) (Resource person: Raju Parmar, Nagarjun, Janakbhai,

Karsan, Darshan Chavda, Deudhabhai, Khimjibhai)

Beautiful flowers are offered to God in temples. Seeds are edible and used in various

religious ceremonies.


76

27. Cynodon dactylon (Dhrokad) (Resource person: Nagarjun, Janakbhai)

Whole plant is used as fodder. Internodes are chewed.

28. Vernonia cinerea (Sedradi)

Leaf juice is applied on cuts and wounds to check bleeding and as an antiseptic also.

Decoction of whole plant is given in the morning in empty stomach to cure fever.

29. Xanthium strumarium (Gaadariyu) (Resource person: Rama Kara)

During earache apply leaf extract two to three drops in ear.

30. Euphorbia neriifolia (Katara) (Resource person: Rama Kara)

Leaves are sour in taste and rich in Vitamin C content, and are eaten before 12 pm. It

is believed that if there good foliage observed it is sign of good rains.


77

4.4 THREATENED SPECIES AND THEIRCONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

The below table (Table 11) shows that most of the species collected from both the

wetland sare come under not evaluated or least concern criteria. Commiphora wightii is

Critically Endangered as per A2cd (ver. 3.1). Hyphaene dichotoma is at Lower Risk or Near

Threatened as per ver. 3.1;38 species are Least Concern as per ver. 3.1.1;22 species are Not

Evaluatedas per ver. 3.1.The distribution of Commiphora wightii is restricted to India and

Pakistan. Commiphora wightii and Hyphaene dichotoma are two rare species so their in situ

conservation is needed.

Table 11: IUCN status of the Species

Sn Botanical name IUCN status

1. Commiphora wightii CR A2cd (ver. 3.1)

2. Hyphaene dichotoma LR/NT (ver 2.3)

LEAST CONCERN

3. Alternanthera sessilis LC (ver. 3.1)

4. Ammannia baccifera LC (ver. 3.1)

5. Avicennia marina LC (ver. 3.1)

6. Bacopa monnieri LC (ver. 3.1)

7. Bulboschoenus maritimus ssp. affinis LC (ver. 3.1)

8. Ceratopteris thalictroides LC (ver. 3.1)

9. Ceriops tagal LC (ver. 3.1)

10. Commelina benghalensis LC (ver. 3.1)

11. Cressa cretica LC (ver. 3.1)

12. Cyperus arenarius LC (ver. 3.1)

13. Cyperus esculentus LC (ver. 3.1)

14. Dopatrium junceum LC (ver. 3.1)

15. Echinochloa colona LC (ver. 3.1)

16. Eleocharis geniculata LC (ver. 3.1)

http://www.iucnredlist.org/static/categories_criteria_3_1







78


17. Fimbristylis ferruginea LC (ver. 3.1)

18. Grangea maderaspatana LC (ver. 3.1)

19. Hydrilla verticillata LC (ver. 3.1)

20. Hygrophila schulli LC (ver. 3.1)

21. Indigofera oblongifolia LC (ver. 3.1)

22. Ipomoea aquatic LC (ver. 3.1)

23. Lemna gibba LC (ver. 3.1)

24. Limnophyton obtusifolium LC (ver. 3.1)

25. Marsilea quadrifolia LC (ver. 3.1)

26. Merremia emarginata LC (ver. 3.1)

27. Najas marina LC (ver. 3.1)

28. Nymphaea pubescens LC (ver. 3.1)

29. Nymphaea rubra LC (ver. 3.1)

30. Ottelia alismoides LC (ver. 3.1)

31. Paspalidium geminatum LC (ver. 3.1)

32. Paspalum vaginatum LC (ver. 3.1)

33. Phragmites karka LC (ver. 3.1)

34. Phyla nodiflora LC (ver. 3.1)

35. Polygonum plebeium LC (ver. 3.1)

36. Rhizophora mucronata LC (ver. 3.1)

37. Schoenoplectus subulatus LC (ver. 3.1)

38. Sesbania bispinosa LC (ver. 3.1)

39. Stuckenia pectinata LC (ver. 3.1)

40. Typha angustifolia LC (ver. 3.1)

41. Vallisneria natans LC (ver. 3.1)

Data Defficient

42. Eclipta prostrata DD (ver. 3.1)


79


NOT EVALUATED

43. Abutilon indicum NE

44. Abutilon ramosum NE

45. Acacia nilotica NE

46. Achyranthes aspera NE

47. Aeluropus lagopoides NE

48. Alhagi maurorum NE

49. Aloe vera NE

50. Alysicarpus longifolia NE

51. Argemone Mexicana NE

52. Aristida adscensionis NE

53. Aristolochia bracteata NE

54. Arthrocnemum indicum NE

55. Asphodelus tenuifolius NE

56. Atriplex stocksii NE

57. Azadirachta indica NE

58. Barleria prionitis NE

59. Bergia odorata NE

60. Blepharis integrifolia NE

61. Boerhavia chinensis NE

62. Cadaba fruticosa NE

63. Calotropis gigantean NE

64. Calotropis procera NE

65. Capparis deciduas NE

66. Cardiospermum halicacabum NE

67. Celosia argentea NE

68. Cenchrus ciliaris NE

69. Chenopodium album NE

70. Chloris barbata NE


80


71. Chrozophora plicata NE

72. Chrozophora rottleri NE

73. Clerodendron serratum NE

74. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea f.albiflora NE

75. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea f.ternetea NE

76. Coccinia grandis NE

77. Cocculus hirsutus NE

78. Coldenia procumbens NE

79. Convolvulus microphyllus NE

80. Corchorus aestuans NE

81. Corchorus depressus NE

82. Corchorus olitorius NE

83. Corchorus tridens NE

84. Corchorus trilocularis NE

85. Cordia dichotoma NE

86. Cordia sinensis NE

87. Ctenolepis cerasiformis NE

88. Cucumis maderaspatanus NE

89. Cucumis prophetarum NE

90. Cynodon dactylon NE

91. Dactyloctenium aegyptium NE

92. Datura metel NE

93. Dinebra retroflexa NE

94. Dyerophytum indicum NE

95. Echinops echinatus NE

96. Eichhornia crassipes NE

97. Elytraria acaulis NE

98. Enicostema axillare NE

99. Eragrostis ciliaris NE

100. Euphorbia perfoliata NE

101. Euphorbia prostrate NE


81


102. Fagonia schweinfurthii NE

103. Glinus lotoides NE

104. Gossypium stocksii NE

105. Grewia tenax NE

106. Halopyrum mucronatum NE

107. Heliotropium bacciferum NE

108. Heliotropium curassavicum NE

109. Heliotropium supinum NE

110. Indigofera cordifolia NE

111. Juncus maritimus NE

112. Justicia procumbens NE

113. Lantana camara ssp. Aculeate NE

114. Launaea procumbens NE

115. Leucaena leucocephala NE

116. Lotus garcinii NE

117. Maerua oblongifolia NE

118. Medicago sativa NE

119. Mollugo pentaphylla NE

120. Nothosaerva brachiata NE

121. Ocimum americanum NE

122. Oxystelma esculentum NE

123. Parkinsonia aculeate NE

124. Parthenium hysterophorus NE

125. Passiflora foetida NE

126. Pavonia ceratocarpa NE

127. Pentatropis capensis NE

128. Pergularia daemia NE

129. Peristrophe bicalyculata NE

130. Phoenix sylvestris NE

131. Physalis minima NE

132. Pithecellobium dulce NE


82


133. Pluchea lanceolata NE

134. Polycarpaea spicata NE

135. Portulaca quadrifida NE

136. Prosopis juliflora NE

137. Pulicaria angustifolia NE

138. Rungia elegans NE

139. Rungia repens NE

140. Salicornia brachiata NE

141. Salvadora persica NE

142. Senna auriculata NE

143. Senna occidentalis NE

144. Sesbania sesban NE

145. Sesuvium portulacastrum NE

146. Setaria pumila NE

147. Sida mysorensis NE

148. Solanum virginianum NE

149. Sporobolus virginicus NE

150. Stemodia viscose NE

151. Suaeda fruticosa NE

152. Suaeda nudiflora NE

153. Tamarix indica NE

154. Tamarix stricta NE

155. Taverniera cuneifolia NE

156. Tinospora cordifolia NE

157. Tridax procumbens NE

158. Urochondra setulosa NE

159. Verbascum chinense NE

160. Vernonia cinerea NE

161. Wattakaka volubilis NE

162. Xanthium indicum NE

163. Ziziphus mauritiana NE


83


164. Ziziphus nummularia NE

4.5 INVASIVE SPECIES

As per the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), Invasive Species Specialist

Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (http://www.issg.org/database), Prosopis

juliflora, Eichhornia crassipes, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica are the invasive

species of Gosabara wetland complex.

Prosopis juliflora is the main invasive species and has occupied the maximum area of

Khijadiya bird sanctuary.

1. Prosopis juliflora

Prosopis is the main invasive species of both the wetlands especially in Khijadiya

where it covers the maximum area of the sanctuary.Prosopis species are amongst a range of

invasive woody plants being eradicated due to their noted effect in exploiting soil water and

lowering water tables. Prosopis are phraetophytic and are known to possess very deep roots

which will use subterranean water when no surface water is available. In India, Prosopis has

been blamed by large-scale farmers for the lowering of water tables, while some researchers

suggest that this is due to the increase in the number of boreholes and the amounts of water

being extracted for irrigation by these very same farmers.

Positive impacts on the environment include soil stabilization by the roots and

reduced soil erosion from windbreaks and within plantations, reduced salinity and alkalinity,

and improved soil fertility and soil physical characteristics. Also the presence of P.

juliflora as a readily available source of fuel has drastically reduced the previous over-

exploitation and illegal cutting in protected reserves.

Observing the GIS data of Khijadiya for the month of November 2015 and April

2016, there is a vast change in the P. juliflora canopy. The P. juliflora has been reduced from

4.8 sq. km to 2.3 sq. km. Prosopis is an invasive vigorous plant which is able to establish

itself in post monsoon if there is an inadequate rain. However, if the rains are adequate the

plants get drained in the water for a period of 3-4 months and are not able to establish


84

themselves. In addition during post monsoon period the water pockets becomes grazing land.

The Pods (seeds) of Prosopis swallowed by the goats and cattles which breaks the seed

dormancy of the seed and with the first rains the plants germinates and increases its horizon

in the aquatic pocket. In Plate 6 it is clearly seen invasion of Prosopis by grren canopied and

the spots marked with yellow are the areas from where the prosopis was removed by the

Forest department for the storage of water in the next rains. In Gosabara there is no noticible

change in the Prosopis cover during this period.

Plate 6: Prosopis removal from Khijadiya Sanctuary


85

2. Eichhornia crassipes

E. crassipes, a native of South America, is a major freshwater weed in most of the

frost-free regions of the world and is generally regarded as the most trouble some aquatic

plant (Holm et al., 1997). It has been widely planted as water ornamental around the world

because of its striking flowers. Wherever it has encountered suitable environmental

conditions it has spread with phenomenal rapidity to form vast monotypic stands in lakes,

rivers and rice paddy fields. Then it adversely affects human activities (fishing, water

transport) and biodiversity. It is impossible to eradicate, and often only an integrated

management strategy, inclusive of biological control, can provide a long-term solution to this

pest.

Plate 7: Eichhornia invasion in Gosabara


86

Once it proliferates in a water body, E. crassipes dramatically alters the ecosystem

and often results in environmental degradation and a reduction in bio-diversity. A number of

authors note that in many water bodies and wetland areas, the encroachment of water

hyacinth has reduced or eliminated natural vegetation (Terry, 1996; Kumar and Rohatgi,

1999). The plant may negatively impact some native species of invertebrates, fish, birds and

plants. Presently a patch of E. crassipes is seen in the small pocket of Vanana creek of

Gosabara. Though it is in fresh water pockets on the extreme south of the creek .It may

gradually spread towards the wetern parts and it may lead to eutrophication (Plate 7.)

4.6 DOCUMENTATION OF ENGLISH AND LOCAL NAME

Table12 gives information on local names of 128 plants and English names of 148

plants. The local names prvided here are the names used by the local people of the study area.

Table 12: English and Local name of the species

Sn Botanical name English name Local name

1. Abutilon indicum Indian Mallow Khapat

2. Abutilon ramosum Indian Mallow Dholi khapat

3. Acacia nilotica Gum arabic tree, Egyptian thorn Dataniyo Baval

4. Achyranthes aspera Prickly Chaff Flower, Devil's

Horsewhip

Aghedo

5. Aeluropus lagopoides Mangroove Grass, Rabbit-Foot Khariyu

6. Alhagi pseudalhagi Camel thorn Javaso

7. Aloe vera Aloe, Burn plant Kuvar

8. Alternanthera sessilis Sessile Joyweed, Dwarf

copperleaf

Jal jambvo

9. Alysicarpus longifolia - Ubho samervo

10. Ammannia baccifera Blistering Ammania Jal agiyo

11. Argemone mexicana Mexican prickly poppy Darudi

12. Aristida adscensionis Six-weeks three-awn Uth lampdo

13. Aristolochia bracteata Dutchman's pipe and Pipevine Kidamari

14. Arthrocnemum indicum - Machur, Bholdo

15. Asphodelus tenuifolius Onionweed Dungro

16. Atriplex stocksii Saltbush Adbau palak


87


17. Avicennia marina Grey mangroove, White

mangroove

Tavariya, Cheriya

18. Azadirachta indica Margossa, Indian Lilac Limdo

19. Bacopa monnieri Indian Pennywort, Water Hyssop Bam, Jal nevri

20. Barleria prionitis Porcupine flower Kantasheriyo

21. Bergia odorata - Lavadiyu

22. Blepharis integrifolia - Utingan

23. Boerhavia chinensis Spreading Hogweed Satodi

24. Bulboschoenus maritimus Sea clubrush Saaj

25. Cadaba fruticosa Capper Brush Teliyo Hemkand

26. Calotropis gigantean Crown flower Moto Aakdo

27. Calotropis procera Milkweed Aakdo

28. Capparis decidua Caper berry Kerdo

29. Cardiospermum halicacabum Balloon plant, Love in a puff Kagdodiyo,

Karodiyo

30. Cenchrus ciliaris African foxtail grass -

31. Ceratopteris thalictroides Floating water fern -

32. Celosia argentea Plumed cockscomb, Silver

cock's comb

Lampdi

33. Ceriops tagal Tagal Mangroove -

34. Chenopodium album White goosefoot, Pigweed -

35. Chloris barbata Swollen Finger Grass, Airport

grass

Mindadiyu Ghas

36. Chrozophora plicata Turnsole Betho okhrad

37. Chrozophora rottleri Dyer's Litmus Suryavirt, Kalo

okhrad

38. Clerodendron serratum Beetle Killer Arni

39. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea

f. albiflora

Butterfly pea Dholi Gharni

40. Clitoria ternetea var. ternetea

f. ternetea

Blue pea Garni

41. Coccinia grandis West Indian gherkin Kadvi, Ghiloda


88


42. Cocculus hirsutus Broom Creeper, Ink berry Vevdi

43. Coldenia procumbens Creeping Coldenia Basariyo Okhrad

44. Commelina benghalensis Benghal dayflower, tropical

spiderwort

Shishmudiyu

45. Commiphora wightii Indian bdellium-tree Gugal

46. Convolvulus microphyllus Bindweed, Brain tonic Shankhavali

47. Corchorus aestuans East Indian Mallow Chunch, Jiteli

48. Corchorus depressus Corchorus Bahufali, Jhinki

chunch

49. Corchorus ollitorius Wild jute, Tossa jute Chuchdo, Moti

chunch

50. Corchorus tridens Horn-fruited jute Kadvi chunch

51. Corchorus trilocularis African jute Lambi chunch

52. Cordia dichotoma Indian cherry, Clammy cherry,

Fragrant manjack

Gunda

53. Cordia sinensis Grey leaved saucerberry Gundi

54. Cressa cretica Littoral bind weed Paliyo, Pariyo

55. Ctenolepsis cerasiformis - -

56. Cucumis maderaspatanus Madras pea pumpkin, Rough

bryony

Chanak chibdi

57. Cucumis prophetarum Globe cucumber Kantada indramana

58. Cynodon dactylon Dog's toothgrass, Bahama grass,

Devil's grass, Couch grass

Dhrokad, Dhro

59. Cyperus arenarius Nutsedge -

60. Cyperus esculentus Chufa sedge, Nut grass,

Yellow nutsedge, Tiger

Nut sedge, Earth almond

-

61. Dactyloctenium aegyptium Egyptian crowfoot grass -

62. Datura metel Devil's trumpet Daturo

63. Dinebra retroflexa Viper grass -

64. Dopatrium junceum Rushlike Dopatrium -

65. Dyerophytum indicum - Pavi


89


66. Echinochloa colona Jungle rice, Awnless barnyard

grass

-

67. Echinops echinatus Indian Globe Thistle Untkato

68. Eclipta prostrata False daisy Kalobhangro

69. Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth -

70. Eleocharis geniculata Bentspikerush, Canada

spikesedge

-

71. Elytraria acaulis Asian Scalystem -

72. Enicostema axillare Indian Gentian Mamejvo

73. Eragrostis ciliaris Lovegrass, Feather lovegrass Marmar ghas

74. Euphorbia perfoliata - -

75. Euphorbia prostrata Prostrate sandmat -

76. Fagonia schweinfurthii Khorasan thorn, Virgin's Mantle,

Virgon's Mantlem

Dhamaso

77. Fimbristylis ferruginea Rusty sedge, West Indian fimbry -

78. Glinus lotoides Lotus sweet juice Mitho Okhrad

79. Gossypium stocksii Wild Cotton tree Kapas, Hirvani

80. Grangea maderaspatana Madras Carpet Jhinki mundi

81. Grewia tenax White cross berry Gangeti, Bajothiyu

82. Halopyrum mucronatum - Dariyai Kasado

83. Heliotropium bacciferum Turnsole -

84. Heliotropium curassavicum - Hathisundho

85. Heliotropium supinum Dwarf Heliotrope Ghediyo Okhrad

86. Hydrilla verticillata Esthwaite Waterweed -

87. Hygrophila schulli Temple plant, Marsh Barbel Sarpat

88. Hyphaene dichotomoma Doum palm, Gingerbread tree Ravantaad,

Hokataad

89. Indigofera cordifolia Heart-Leaf Indigo Dadiyo

90. Indigofera oblongifolia Common Indigo Jhil

91. Ipomoea aquatica Chinese spinach, Chinese

Watercress

Nala ni bhaji

92. Juncus maritimus Seaside rush -


90


93. Justicia procumbens Water willow, Shrimp plant Khetrau Khadsaliyo

94. Lantana camara ssp.

aculeata

Wild-sage, Red-sage Abhagan

95. Launaea procumbens Creeping Launaea Bhopatri

96. Lemna gibba Swollen duckweed -

97. Leucaena leucocephala White leadtree, Jumbay, River

tamarind

Su babul

98. Limnophyton obtusifolium Blunt Arrowhead -

99. Lotus garcinii Bird's-foot trefoil Moto Bhakho

100. Maerua oblongifolia Desert Maerua Dudhiyo Hemkand

101. Marsilea quadrifolia Four leaf clover -

102. Medicago sativa Alfalfa Gadab

103. Merremia emarginata Kidney leaf morning glory Undarkani

104. Mollugo pentaphylla Five Leaved Carpetweed -

105. Najas marina Spiny naiad -

106. Nothosaerva brachiata Minute Amaranth -

107. Nymphaea pubescens Hairy water lily Dholo kamal

108. Nymphaea rubra Pink water-lily Lal kamal

109. Ocimum americanum Great basil, Saint-Joseph's-wort Ram tulsi

110. Ottelia alismoides Duck-Lettuce, Waterplantain

Ottelia

-

111. Oxystelma esculentum Rosy Milkweed Vine Narot, Jaldudhi

112. Parkinsonia aculeata Jerusalem thorn, Jelly bean tree Ram baval, Til

baval

113. Parthenium hysterophorus Congress weed , Carrot grass -

114. Paspalidium geminatum Egyptian panicgrass -

115. Paspalum vaginatum Cow grass, Rice grass,

Ditch millet

Jungli Kodri

116. Passiflora foetida Wild maracuja, Bush passion

fruit, Stinking passionflower

Krishna kamal

117. Pavonia ceratocarpa Sour swamp mallow Khatichaas

118. Pentatropis capensis - Hudiyo


91


119. Pergularia daemia Trellis-vine Chamardudhli

120. Peristrophe bicalyculata Panicled Foldwing Kali Aghedi

121. Phoenix sylvestris Silver Date Palm Khajuri

122. Phragmites karka Tall reed Nayri, Nali

123. Phyla nodiflora Turkey tangle fogfruit Ratvelio

124. Physalis minima Native gooseberry, Wild cape

gooseberry, Pygmy

groundcherry

Parpopti, Popti

125. Pithecellobium dulce Monkeypod Goras Ambli

126. Pluchea lanceolata Rasna Rashna

127. Polycarpaea spicata - Vajradanti

128. Polygonum plebeium Common knotweed Jhinko okhrad

129. Portulaca quadrifida Chickenweed Luni

130. Prosopis juliflora Mesquite Gando baval

131. Pulicaria angustifolia - Shishoriya

132. Rhizophora mucronata Loop-root mangroove,

Red mangroove,

Asiatic mangroove

-

133. Rungia elegans - Dungri Khadsaliyo

134. Rungia repens Creeping Rungia Moto Khadsaliyo

135. Salicornia brachiata Slender glasswort Machul

136. Salvadora persica Arak, Meswak,Peelu,

Toothbrush tree

Jaar, Piludi

137. Schoenoplectus subulatus Common Club-rush Tader

138. Senna auriculata Tanner's Cassia Aavad

139. Senna occidentalis Coffee Senna, Stinking Weed Kasundro

140. Sesbania bispinosa Prickly Sesban Ikad

141. Sesbania sesban Common sesban, Egyptian

rattlepod, Egyptian riverhemp

Jayanti

142. Sesuvium portulacastrum Shoreline seapurslane -

143. Setaria pumila Yellow foxtail, Pigeon grass,

Cattail grass

Kalot


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144. Sida mysorensis Mysore fanpetals -

145. Solanum virginianum Thorny Nightshade, Yellow

Berried Nightshade

Bhoy ringani

146. Sporobolus virginicus Seashore dropseed -

147. Stemodia viscosa Sticky Blue Rod Nukachuni

148. Stuckenia pectinata Sago pondweed -

149. Suaeda fruticosa Shrubby Seablite Moras

150. Suaeda nudiflora - Lano

151. Tamarix indica Salt cedar Prans, Jhav

152. Tamarix stricta - -

153. Taverniera cuneifolia East-indian Moneywort Jethimadh

154. Tinospora cordifolia Heart-leaved moonseed Gado

155. Tridax procumbens Mexican Daisy, Coat Buttons Pardeshi bhangro

156. Typha angustifolia Narrowleaf cattail Gha bajariyu

157. Urochondra setulosa - -

158. Vallisneria natans Eelgrass, Tape grass Jal sarpoliya

159. Verbascum chinense Common mullein Kalhar

160. Vernonia cinerea Ash colored fleabane Sahdevi

161. Wattakaka volubilis Sneeze Wort, Cotton milk plant Moti dodi

162. Xanthium indicum Rough cocklebur Gaadariyu

163. Zizyphusmauritiana Chinese date, Indian plum, Regi

pandu, Indian jujube

Bordi

164. Zizyphus nummularia Wild jujube Chaniya bor, Adbau

bordi

4.9 KEY SPECIES INTERACTIONS AND ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

1. Ceratopteris thalictroides

This species forms one of the important constituents of floating vegetation generally

in fresh water expanses and aids in providing food and shelter to the mosquito larvae. It

propagates not only by its spores which when burst out spread over in tanks and when


93

stranded in mud develop under suitable conditions into new plants. Vegetative reproduction

takes place by means of buds borne on frond.

2. Hydrilla verticillata

It grows both from seed and from the detached stolons and also from the winter buds.

The male flowers get detached and rise to the surface. They float and may ultimately thus

reach the female organs. It is one of the most dominant species of the Hydrocharid formation.

It spreads rapidly and frequently chokes up an expanse of water, thus becoming a pest of

freshwater reservoirs. The plant harbours a large number of epiphytic algae which are a

favourite food for the mosquito larvre. It is harmful to the self purificatory action of water by

checking the development of the microplankton.

3. Ottelia alismoides

This species grows along with and sometimes at about the same depth as Vallisneria.

It is less abundant than Vallisneria; however, tolerates water shallower than Vallisneria.

4. Vallisneria natans

This plant tends to keep water pockets in a healthy condition by diffusion of Oxygen.

It helps to sustain the microplankton flora and, therefore, self-purificatory action of water in a

tank.

5. Phragmites karka

In Khijadiya sanctuary part-2, it is found to grow along the dried wetland periphery

where they form a dense mass of pure association. It may be used as a good material for

manufacture of paper.The stems of the stouter ones are used for thatching purposes. This

gregarious grass provides suitable habitat for insect larvae.

6. Ipomoea aquatica:

The plant is frequently found floating alongthe edges of Gosabara wetland, sometimes

spreads over the surface and by its long rope like stems soon forms a network of vegetation

choking up the surface of water. The juice of the leaves is taken as medicine which acts as

mild purgative and is supposed to purify blood.


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7. Eichhornia crassipes

The life history of this plant under different ecological conditions indicates its

exceptional vital powers. The seedlings germinate in the rains from June to July and under

suitable conditions may develop into a full-fledged plant within the course of three or four

months bearing flowers in September or October. Abundant vegetative growth is mainly

responsible for its rapid propagation although seeds are by no means less active agent than

vegetative growth in continuing its progeny. Production of seeds in nature thus further

complicates the question of eradication of this pest.

Danger of economic paralysis due to the existence of this plant in huge masses in the

water areas need not be emphasized, as we believe that such a stage in the history of the

eradication of this pest is long over. Various methods of destroying the pest have been

attempted without tangible results.

8. Lemna gibba

Lemnas are composed of flat little green fronds producing similar fronds of second

order and have extremely reduced type of inflorescences. The nature of the fronds of Lemna

has been variously interpreted but the most accepted view is that the distal end of the frond is

foliar while the proximal end is axile. The fronds develop air chambers. The roots of the

Lemna are the heavier part and the tips with rootcaps evidently the heaviest. The roots are

supposed to maintain the equilibrium of the plants. The plants are found floating in crowded

masses forming a pure association on the surface of water as a thick screen of vegetation.

They appear during the rains, fructify in autumn, germinate in summer and after passing a

dormant stage in winter reappear in the rains as floating mass on the surface of stagnant

waters.

Lemnas purify the water by absorbing organic materials and harbouring animal life.

Mosquito larvre are sometimes rare in such wetlands with surface screen of Lemnas. But this

may be due either to dearth of accommodation for the larvae due to the plants choking up

every inch of space of the surface water or to the scarcity of food materials or to the presence

of the animals feeding on the larvae immediately after hatching. It has been observed that

edible fishes devour Lemnas in their young stages and in consideration of the quantity eaten

up by them Lemnas appear to be one of their favourite foods in their early stage of life.


95

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Plate 8: Dry puddle species of Khijadiya wetland


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Plate 9: Mangrooves of Khijadiya


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Plate 10: Saline ground Species


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Plate 11: Floating aquatic plants


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Plate 12: Climbers


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Plate 13: Submerged and Partially Submerged plants

About the StudyThe study is part of the overall scientific and technical studies in Gujarat that the CMPA project supported towards effective and sustainable management of coastal and marine protected areas. The detailed ecological assessment focussed at documenting species diversity and population over key seasons; apart from documenting key threats to the wetlands, identification of invasive species, threatened species and an ecological analysis of the key species interactions.

The CMPA ProjectThe Project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas” (CMPA)is a project of the Indo-German technical cooperation. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) and implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of BMUB.

Established to support the achievement of the Aichi targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Project’s overall goal is to contribute to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in selected areas along the coast of India. Taking into consideration the economic importance of the coastal zone for large segments of the population, the Project’s approach is people-centered, thus ensuring the support for conservation by those depending on coastal ecosystems.

31C

MPA

Tec

hnic

al R

epor

t Ser

ies

Floral Biodiversity Surveys for Baseline Assessment at

Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuaryand Gosabara Wetland

Complex in Gujarat

August 2016

Indo-German Biodiversity ProgrammeConservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas

Documents

CMPA Technical Report Series 31 - SNRD Asia and the Pacific · 2018. 4. 22. · CMPA Technical Report Series No. 31 Floral Biodiversity Surveys for Baseline Assessment at Khijadiya